Islamabad (Web Desk): The International Day of Play is being observed today (Wednesday), across the globe, including in Pakistan.
This year’s theme, "Choose Play – Every Day," highlights the importance of making play a daily part of life for all, especially children.
The day marks a significant milestone in global efforts to preserve, promote, and prioritize play, recognizing it as a vital activity that helps individuals, particularly young ones, thrive and reach their full potential.
On this occasion, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz emphasized the critical role of play in a child’s development.
In her message, she stated that a joyful, playful child reflects a thriving society.
She added that play is far more than just a form of entertainment for children; it is a fundamental aspect of their mental, emotional, and creative growth.
The International Day of Play was celebrated for the first time on June 11, 2024.
It was established through the collaborative efforts of international organizations, educational institutions, and child advocacy groups who recognized the urgent need to elevate the role of play as a global development priority.
Although play had already been acknowledged in the United Nations (UN) Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989), particularly under Article 31, which affirms every child’s right to rest, leisure, and play, the declaration of an official global day in 2024 marked a landmark achievement.
It created a unified opportunity to advocate for increased action at global, national, and local levels to ensure that the right to play is upheld and celebrated.