Daily Times

Despite constitutional protections, child labour remains a pervasive and troubling issue in Pakistan. Article 11 of the Pakistani Constitution strictly prohibits forced labour, while Article 24 disallows employment of children below the age of 14. Yet, the enforcement of these laws remains woefully inadequate, with the problem of child labour worsening as millions of children are forced into exploitative conditions.

Child labour in Pakistan is an issue of enormous scale and complexity. Estimates suggest that around 12 million children are engaged in child labour across the country. These children are visible in various sectors: sweeping floors in affluent households, serving tea in roadside hotels, begging on the streets, working at petrol pumps, and toiling in brick kilns.

The agricultural sector alone employs a large proportion of these child workers, where they assist in planting and harvesting crops. The conditions in which these children work are often harsh and dangerous, robbing them of their childhood and exposing them to physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.

The presence of child labour is a direct violation of several fundamental rights enshrined in both national and international frameworks. The International Labour Organization (ILO) defines child labour as work that deprives children of their childhood, potential, and dignity, and is harmful to physical and mental development. Pakistan, as a signatory to various international conventions, including the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, is obligated to protect children from economic exploitation and hazardous work.

Yet, the reality is starkly different. In 2021, a significant number of Pakistani children were found working in conditions that are far from safe or conducive to their development. These children are often subjected to long working hours, poor wages, and hazardous environments. Many are exposed to toxic substances, heavy machinery, and physically demanding tasks without any protective measures.

Child labour is not just about economic exploitation; it also involves severe abuse and exploitation. The case of Fatima, a 10-year-old girl who was sexually abused and murdered while working, highlights the extreme vulnerabilities faced by child labourers. Tragically, Fatima’s case is not an isolated incident. Numerous children in Pakistan face similar fates, working in environments where they are vulnerable to abuse and violence.

The exploitation extends beyond physical abuse to emotional and psychological trauma. Children in labour are often subjected to harsh treatment, verbal abuse, and a lack of any nurturing or supportive environment. These experiences leave deep scars, affecting their mental health and future prospects.

One of the most devastating impacts of child labour is the deprivation of education. Article 25A of the Pakistani Constitution guarantees free and compulsory education for all children aged 5 to 16. However, more than 26 million children in Pakistan are out of school, many of whom are engaged in child labour.

Education is a fundamental right and a critical pathway to breaking the cycle of poverty. Yet, for many children in Pakistan, this pathway is blocked by the economic necessity to work. Families often rely on the income generated by their children, making it difficult for them to prioritize education. As a result, children miss out on the opportunity to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary for better employment opportunities in the future.

The persistence of child labour in Pakistan is closely linked to the country’s socioeconomic conditions. Poverty is a primary driver, forcing families to rely on the additional income that child labour provides. In many cases, middle-class parents, unable to afford school fees, are compelled to send their children to work instead of school.

Furthermore, the lack of robust social safety nets exacerbates the situation. Limited access to social services such as healthcare and welfare programs leaves families with few alternatives but to engage their children in labour. The failure to address these underlying socioeconomic issues perpetuates the cycle of child labour and poverty.

Societal attitudes and cultural norms also play a significant role in the persistence of child labour. In some communities, child labour is accepted as a norm, with little awareness or recognition of the rights of children. This cultural acceptance makes it challenging to combat child labour and change attitudes towards children’s roles and rights.

Constitutional provisions against child labour are clear, but their implementation remains a significant challenge.

Additionally, gender discrimination exacerbates the issue, with girls often being more vulnerable to exploitation and abuse. Girls are frequently employed as domestic workers, caregivers, or are even forced into early marriages, further limiting their educational and developmental opportunities.

Addressing the issue of child labour in Pakistan requires a comprehensive and multi-faceted approach. Legal reforms alone are not sufficient; there must be a concerted effort to enforce existing laws and regulations effectively. This includes stricter penalties for violators, regular inspections of workplaces, and a robust monitoring mechanism to track the implementation of child labour laws.

Moreover, improving access to education is crucial. The government must invest in building and maintaining schools, especially in rural and underserved areas. Financial incentives such as scholarships, free uniforms, and meals can encourage families to send their children to school rather than to work.

Social protection programs are also essential to support families in need and reduce their dependence on child labour. This can include cash transfers, healthcare services, and livelihood programs that provide alternative sources of income.

Civil society organizations play a critical role in advocating for the rights of children and raising awareness about the issue of child labour. NGOs and community groups can provide support services, run awareness campaigns, and work directly with affected families to offer alternatives to child labour.

The international community also has a responsibility to support Pakistan in its efforts to combat child labour. This includes technical assistance, funding for education and social programs, and sharing best practices from other countries that have successfully reduced child labour.

Child labour in Pakistan is a severe violation of children’s rights, perpetuating cycles of poverty and denying millions of children their right to a safe, healthy, and educated future. The constitutional provisions against child labour are clear, but their implementation remains a significant challenge. To combat this issue effectively, Pakistan must prioritize the protection, education, and empowerment of its children through comprehensive legal, educational, and social measures. Only then can the nation hope to provide a brighter future for its youngest citizens, ensuring they grow up in an environment that nurtures their potential and dignity.

Addressing child labour requires collective action from the government, civil society, and the international community to create a safe and supportive environment for all children. It is not just a legal obligation but a moral imperative to safeguard the future of the nation’s children.

The writer is a freelance columnist.