KARACHI:
One can merely lament at the fact that the problem of child labour persists all across Pakistan. According to a recent survey, approximately 45% of children in the country have been exposed to child labour in one form or another. In spite of the many anti-child labour laws, the problem continues to damage the lives of thousands of children. This not only has adverse effects on the mental well-being of children, who are forced to work in harsh conditions, but the issue in general has a negative impact on the overall growth, development, and progress of the nation.
One might be surprised to hear that millions of underage children are currently being forced to work in factories and workshops while being paid minimum and at times no wage. Our country needs skilled professionals to achieve the objectives of growth, development and advancement. But with so many children working instead of receiving education, how can Pakistan pave a path towards prosperity?
Laws prohibiting child labour should be strictly implemented across Pakistan in order to discourage parents from selling their children. Furthermore, the educational system of the country must be revamped and restructured according to national development goals so as to become more inclusive to children from all walks of life. Orphans and other deserving children must be helped financially on a prolonged basis.
Ayesha Rao
Lahore
Published in The Express Tribune, February 16th, 2021.
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