UNICEF appoints actress Saba Qamar as first National Ambassador for Child Rights in Pakistan

The picture shared by UNICEF on October 11, 2024, shows Pakistani artist Saba Qamar who has been appointed as National Ambassador for Child Rights in Pakistan. (unicefpk/Instagram)
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Updated 11 October 2024
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UNICEF appoints actress Saba Qamar as first National Ambassador for Child Rights in Pakistan

  • One of the most versatile artists, Qamar will raise awareness about issues like child marriage, lack of education
  • She calls it an honor to be chosen by the UN agency to work for the well-being of children across the country

ISLAMABAD: The UN agency dedicated to promoting children’s rights worldwide appointed renowned performing artist Saba Qamar as its first National Ambassador in Pakistan on Friday, with Qamar calling it an honor to be chosen to work for the well-being of children in the country.
UNICEF regularly appoints national ambassadors in countries around the world, leveraging the influence of celebrities to raise awareness for children’s rights and issues like education, health care and protection.
High-profile figures such as David Beckham in the UK and Shakira in Colombia have used their platforms to support the UN agency’s global initiatives.
The appointment of Qamar in Pakistan comes on the International Day of the Girl Child, which highlights the unique challenges faced by girls globally.
“We are delighted to announce renowned actor @sabaqamarzaman as our first National Ambassador for Child Rights in Pakistan to champion the rights of children and girls everywhere,” the UN agency announced on Instagram.

It also shared Qamar’s reaction in an official handout.
“It’s an honor to join UNICEF,” she said. “I will echo our shared mission of achieving every right for every child wherever I am.”
“In my recent travels, I have seen both the challenges children and women face in this country and the difference UNICEF’s dedicated efforts are making,” she continued. “I promise to play my part for the children and young people of Pakistan so that they can dream and have the chance to fulfill their dreams.”
UNICEF said Qamar would help raise awareness of children’s rights and issues affecting young people, such as child marriage, mental health, lack of education and the impact of violence, exploitation and child poverty.
Qamar, one of Pakistan’s most versatile and critically acclaimed actresses, has been praised for her performances in both Pakistani and Bollywood productions, including her award-winning role in Baaghi and her Filmfare-nominated performance in Hindi Medium.
Her dedication to the arts has earned her several accolades, including Pakistan’s prestigious Pride of Performance award, solidifying her influence both domestically and internationally.


Pakistan regulator amends law to facilitate capital raising by listed companies

Updated 19 January 2026
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Pakistan regulator amends law to facilitate capital raising by listed companies

  • The amendments address challenges faced by listed companies when raising further capital from existing shareholders through a rights issue
  • Previously, listed companies were prohibited from announcing a rights issue if the company, officials or shareholders had any overdue amounts

KARACHI: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has notified amendments to the Companies (Further Issue of Shares) Regulations 2020 to facilitate capital raising by listed companies while maintaining adequate disclosure requirements for investors, it announced on Monday,

The amendments address challenges faced by listed companies when raising further capital from existing shareholders through a rights issue. Previously, listed companies were prohibited from announcing a rights issue if the company, its sponsors, promoters, substantial shareholders, or directors had any overdue amounts or defaults appearing in their Credit Information Bureau (CIB) report.

This restriction constrained financially stressed yet viable companies from raising capital, even in circumstances where existing shareholders were willing to support revival, restructuring, or continuation of operations, according to the SECP.

“Under the amended framework, the requirement for a clean CIB report will not apply if the relevant persons provide a No Objection Certificate (NOC) regarding the proposed rights issue from the concerned financial institution(s),” the regulator said.

The notification of the amendments follows a consultative process in which the SECP sought feedback from market stakeholders, including listed companies, issue consultants, professional bodies, industry associations, law firms, and capital market institutions.

The amendments are expected to enhance market confidence, improve access to capital for listed companies, and strengthen transparency within the rights issue framework, according to the SECP.

“To ensure transparency and protect investors’ interests, companies in such cases must make comprehensive disclosures in the rights offer document,” the regulator said.

“These disclosures must include details of any defaults or overdue amounts, ongoing recovery proceedings, and the status of any debt restructuring.”

The revised regulations strike an “appropriate balance” between facilitating corporate rehabilitation and enabling investors to make informed investment decisions, the SECP added.