Project Management Unit Child Protection

On Thursday, 3 September 2026, Malik Liaqat Ali Khan, Advisor to the Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa on Zakat, Ushr, Social Welfare, Women Empowerment and Special Education, along with Arshad Qayum Berki, Director Social Welfare; Obaid Ur Rahman, Deputy Director; Ibrar Ahmad, Assistant Director; Iftikhar Hussain, Admin Officer; and Amjid Mehmood, Program Manager Child Protection PMU Merged Areas, visited the Child Protection Unit (CPU), District Khyber.

During the visit, a detailed presentation was delivered on the establishment, mandate and functioning of the Child Protection Unit. The team briefed the delegation on key child protection interventions, achievements and progress made at the district level, particularly in the areas of prevention, response and case management of child protection concerns.

The delegation reviewed the overall functioning of the CPU, including its role in strengthening community-based child protection mechanisms and facilitating timely and appropriate responses to child protection cases. The Advisor appreciated the efforts of the Child Protection team and expressed satisfaction with the progress and implementation of child protection interventions at the district level.

The Advisor reaffirmed his full support and commitment to strengthening child protection services and promoting the welfare and rights of children and other marginalized groups across the Merged Districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Together, we stand for every child’s right to safety, dignity and protection.
Directorate of Social Welfare, Merged Areas Secretariat - 'formerly FATA'
UNICEF

Peshawar, 18 August 2026 : The Directorate of Social Welfare, UNDP and KP-TEVTA Launch Skill Development Program for 200 Vulnerable Youth of Tehsil Bara in District Khyber.
The Directorate of Social Welfare, Special Education & Women Empowerment, Merged Areas, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, with the technical & financial support of UNDP under the LoA for the implementation of the Community Stabilization Project (CSP) in District Khyber, has launched a skill development program for 200 vulnerable youth from Tehsil Bara, District Khyber, comprising 100 men and 100 women.
The program aims to strengthen the socio-economic resilience and community participation of vulnerable youth through market-oriented skills, while promoting peaceful and empowered communities. In addition to skills development, the intervention includes Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Services (MHPSS), recreational activities, community sensitization sessions, community engagement through Girls peer groups and Women Advisory Committees, and the establishment of a Model Gender Desk at Tehsil Bara.
For the implementation of the skill development component, the Directorate of Social Welfare has signed an MoU with KP-TEVTA and organized a joint onboarding and opening ceremony in collaboration with UNDP. A total of five skill trades were selected by the participants, including E-Commerce, Solar PV, General Electrician, Welding, Dress Designing (Tailoring), and Embroidery.
The ceremony was graced by Mr. Malik Liaqat Ali Khan, Advisor to the Chief Minister for Social Welfare, Special Education, Zakat & Ushr and Women Empowerment Department, Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, as the Chief Guest.
The event was attended by Mr. Arshad Qayum Barki, Director Social Welfare, Special Education & Women Empowerment, Merged Areas; Mr. Obaid ur Rahman, Deputy Director , Mr. Ibrar Ahmad, Assistant Director; Mr. Iftikhar Hussain, Admin Officer; Mr. Abdur Raheem, Director Finance, KP-TEVTA, Mr. Ehtisham and Mr. Muhammad Iqbal, Deputy Director, KP-TEVTA, along with representatives of UNDP, including Mr. Ejaz Khan, Project Lead; Mr. Qasim Masood, Reporting & Coordination Officer, Ms. Tahira Kaleem, M&E Officer, Mr. Noor Alam, Project Manager, and the project team.
Addressing the participants, Mr. Malik Liaqat Ali Khan highlighted the importance of skills development and encouraged the trainees, particularly women and youth, to actively participate in the program and use their skills to contribute to the development of their communities. He emphasized that skilled and empowered communities can play a vital role in promoting peace, social cohesion and stability in areas affected by conflict and vulnerability.
The Advisor appreciated the efforts of the Directorate of Social Welfare and UNDP for empowering vulnerable communities in District Khyber and expressed his interest in expanding similar interventions to other Merged Districts. He also emphasized the importance of introducing carpet weaving skill training for women to create additional livelihood and income-generating opportunities.
Welcoming the trainees, the leadership encouraged them to take this opportunity as a step towards self-confidence, economic empowerment and community development, stressing that skilled and empowered communities are essential for building peaceful and resilient societies.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Arshad Qayum Barki, Director Social Welfare, Merged Areas, thanked the Advisor for attending the ceremony and for his encouragement and support to the trainees and the department. He also appreciated the leadership, commitment and collective efforts of UNDP, KP-TEVTA and the project team in making the event possible.
He also added that the skill development initiative represents a significant step towards empowering vulnerable youth, strengthening livelihood opportunities and promoting community stabilization in District Khyber, while creating pathways for women and young people to become active contributors to peaceful, resilient and self-reliant communities.