Syeda Rida Batool Kazmi, a 10th-grade student from GGHSS Tando Allahyar, has been elected as the first Chief Minister of Sindh’s inaugural Children’s Parliament. Rida secured 40 votes to defeat her opponent, Ashok Kumar, a ninth-grade student from GHS Mithi Tharparkar, who garnered 24 votes and will serve as the opposition leader.
This groundbreaking initiative, spearheaded by the Thar Education Alliance in collaboration with the Sindh Education & Literacy Department (SE&LD), Reform Support Unit (RSU), and UNICEF, aims to empower children and promote their right to education. Children from 30 districts across Sindh participated, with two representatives selected per district and six from Sajawal due to its low literacy rate.
These young leaders are now serving as the voices of their communities in this historic forum. Speaking after her oath-taking, Syeda Rida Batool Kazmi shared her excitement and determination to make a difference.
“The Children’s Parliament has shown me that women can lead Sindh as Chief Minister. With structured advocacy and collective effort, we can bring meaningful change,” she said. Zainab Khan, an 8th-grade student from SEF PSP Badin, who was elected as the Minister for Quality Education, emphasized the challenges faced by girls in accessing education. “Education is a fundamental right, yet many girls are denied this opportunity due to persistent social taboos.
As a child, I understand the struggles of other children, and I’m committed to bringing out-of-school children back into the classroom,” she remarked.
Other ministers and parliament members echoed similar commitments, focusing on ensuring every child’s access to education and opportunities. They vowed to advocate for solutions to educational challenges and inspire action from policymakers. Sindh Human Rights Commission Chairman Iqbal Ditho highlighted the initiative’s role in educating children about their rights and the responsibilities of elected leaders.
“It is the duty of the government to safeguard children’s rights and ensure their access to education. We are actively monitoring these issues and issuing directives to address them,” he stated. Dr. Junaid Samoon, Chief Programme Manager of RSU, lauded the initiative, calling it a “step forward in promoting education and awareness among children.”
He emphasized that the RSU remains committed to supporting learning opportunities for children across Sindh. Partab Shivani, CEO of the Thar Education Alliance, elaborated on the broader vision of the Children’s Parliament. “This initiative is a collaborative effort to reintegrate out-of-school children into the education system and create opportunities for their growth and development,” he explained.
