KARACHI:
A large proportion of Pakistani children live in unsafe and dangerous conditions. Nearly 23 million children in the country are out of school, which means that they are not only deprived of their right to education but are faced with higher risks of child labour and early marriages. At least 3.3 million Pakistani children are involved in agricultural, factory, domestic, and other forms of work. This is not only worsening literacy rates in the country but will affect the country’s potential, growth, and progress in the long term. Most children are unable to escape poverty and improve their prospects due to an absence of accessible educational and rehabilitation facilities.
Girls and boys as young as 14 are married off due to conservative cultural values, poverty, etc. Given that most child brides have little to no education, they are forced to stay in violent and abusive relationships. They are faced with serious health risks during childbirth, and some are compelled to work as well as perform household chores. All of this is mentally, emotionally, and physically taxing for them. Resultantly, they struggle with the good upbringing of their children, which can often lead to generational poverty and illiteracy.
The high rates of child labour and child marriages in Pakistan show that as a society we have failed our children. The government and the public have turned a blind eye to the plight of millions of children in the country who face a threat to their health and well-being. The relevant authorities should ensure strict implementation of laws prohibiting child labour and child marriages. All children should be enrolled in schools and facilitated with financial assistance and support.
Mubarak Faryad
Khuzdar
Published in The Express Tribune, December 3rd, 2022.
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