Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child

SPARC was officially established on 17 December 1992, in Islamabad, Pakistan.^[1] SPARC's governing body is run by a board of directors.^[1] While the headquarters is located in Islamabad, it has offices in Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar and Quetta, Hyderabad, Multan and Nowshera.^[1] 54 Child Rights Committees consisting of local activists operate at the district level.^[1]

SPARC has consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council and the United Nations Department of Public Information.^[1] It is a partner of Defence for Children International.^[1] In 2003, SPARC received the United Nations Recognition Award for highlighting the plight of children and promoting the rights of children in Pakistan.^[1] In 2006, SPARC received USAID certification.^[1]

SPARC is a member of the Pakistan National Alliance^[7] and the International Baby Food Action Network.^[8]

The Protection of Breastfeeding and Young Child Nutrition Ordinance, drafted by founding SPARC member Anees Jillani, was signed in October 2002 and came into force in 2010.^[9][10] It superseded the National Infant Feeding Board Rules of 2004.^[11] The ordinance has also been adopted by Gilgit-Baltistan, which has special status under a Presidential Order.^[12]