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Web Desk: France has conferred one of its highest civilian honors on Ayesha Raza Farooq Prime Ministers focal person for her leadership in advancing children’s rights and driving the country’s polio eradication campaign, underscoring deepening cooperation between Paris and Islamabad on human rights priorities.
The French government awarded Ayesha Raza Farooq the Knight’s rank of the National Order of Merit in recognition of her contributions to public health and child welfare.
French authorities said the distinction acknowledges her sustained efforts to protect human rights, with particular focus on children’s access to education and healthcare. The award is among France’s most prominent national decorations, honoring both French citizens and foreign nationals for distinguished service.
Farooq currently serves as chairperson of the National Commission for Children’s Rights and as Pakistan’s national coordinator for the country’s polio eradication drive. In those roles, she has overseen initiatives aimed at strengthening immunization outreach, safeguarding vulnerable children and reinforcing policy frameworks tied to child protection.
Her work in the polio campaign has been central to Pakistan’s efforts to eliminate the virus, which remains endemic in only a handful of countries worldwide. Officials have credited her with supporting coordination between federal and provincial authorities and mobilizing international partners.
In addition to her domestic responsibilities, Farooq has advocated closer collaboration between Pakistan and France on shared human rights objectives. French officials said she has consistently encouraged dialogue and joint initiatives focused on education, health and the protection of children.
The award highlights what both sides describe as growing engagement between the two countries on social development and rights-based policy priorities.
