Peshawar, Feb 22, 2026: Five more districts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are set to have Child Protection Units (CPUs), bringing the total number of these critical units in the province to 24.
The decision comes after the approval of Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi, who greenlit the plan to expand child protection services across the province.
The newly-approved Child Protection Units will be established in Mansehra, Shangla, Malakand, Dera Ismail Khan and Nowshera. The expansion is part of the government’s ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of vulnerable children, particularly in rural and underserved regions.
A budget of Rs. 119.86 million has been allocated for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection and Welfare Commission, which includes Rs. 57 million for the creation of the new CPUs and Rs. 62.86 million for strengthening existing units, including filling all vacant positions.
Nazar Hussain Shah, Secretary Social Welfare Department, called it a crucial step in improving child welfare services across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“The Child Protection Units play a vital role in identifying, rehabilitating, and reintegrating children who are at risk. This expansion will ensure that more districts, including these five new ones, have the necessary resources to provide immediate and effective services to children in need,” he said.
Ijaz Muhammad Khan, Chief of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Child Protection and Welfare Commission, added that the newly-allocated funds will soon be utilized to begin the recruitment process for the new units through ETEA (Educational Testing and Evaluation Agency). The recruitment will follow a merit-based system to ensure that the units are staffed with qualified professionals.
The newly established units will include Child Protection Officers, Social Case Workers, and Psychologists, who will work together to manage cases and ensure comprehensive support for children at risk. These units will also implement a strong referral system, providing children with access to services from both public and private service delivery organizations.
In addition to case management, the Child Protection Units will focus on raising awareness in local communities about child protection issues. Community-based Child Protection Committees will be set up at the grassroots level to help safeguard children from exploitation, abuse, and neglect.
Legal aid will also be offered to children involved in legal cases, ensuring that they receive the necessary legal support and representation.
With the establishment of these new units, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government is making significant progress toward ensuring that every child in the province is protected and supported, regardless of their location.
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