KARACHI:
Child labour is prohibited in Pakistan. Article 11(3) of the Constitution clearly states that no child below the age of 14 is to be engaged in any hazardous work, including in factories and local industries. In fact, our constitution also states that the state should provide free and compulsory education to children between the ages of 5 and 16. Unfortunately, implementation of these laws is severely lacking.
Every other day I see numerous kids working in workshops and factories to help their families put food on the table. The government has not taken any strict action in this regard. At such a tender age, children’s hand should be holding a pen instead of tools. If one is to closely analyse the root cause of the problem, it becomes quite evident that poverty and inflation are the leading causes of child labour. Parents have no option but to send their children to work so that they can earn some extra money.
The youth should be considered as an asset of Pakistan. The government therefore must protect them by providing free education at any cost. Child labour laws should be implemented with an iron hand and children who are victims of abuse need to be provided rehabilitation. Awareness regarding the importance of education must be created among the masses.
Ahmed Saif
Islamabad
Published in The Express Tribune, July 15th, 2021.
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