Pakistan

35 pictures that will make you want to change the future of Pakistan's street children

Our theme of the week gives followers a chance to connect with other users through their photographs

Multimedia Desk February 16, 2016

PHOTO: SHAH SALEEM JAN

The streets of Pakistan are home to an estimated 1.5 million children. These children spend their days and nights on the streets; scavenging, stalking, chasing cars and passersby in hope of some form of charity; at times, their only means of a livelihood.

Street children live in exceptionally difficult circumstances and are a highly vulnerable group. With no access to education, healthcare, food and adequate living conditions, these children are at high risk of abuse, discrimination and stigma.

Days, months, years go by, but their circumstances remain untouched. Here are the children of Pakistan that shouldn't be left on the streets.

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COMMENTS (6)

zahid | 8 years ago | Reply These are not " street children " . There are the children who live in poor or slum areas. They live in small houses and do not have enough space to play. They are forced to play outside their homes. While street children are those who live and sleep on footpaths, pavements and in front of closed shops during the night. They work during the day as scavengers, porters, car washers etc. So there is a lot of difference between these two types of children.

Malang | 8 years ago | Reply No reason to cry, just tell your brother, sister, cousin, friend and anybody you know to not have more then three or four kids. In 1960's UN predicted that due to over population, Pakistan will not be able to provide basic necessities to its citizen, but our religious crowd strongly resisted these recommendations from UN and now look where we are. In a meantime these predator maulanashas target rich environment, if you know what I mean. Lets look into future, instead of crying on the past, because it is what it is.

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Saad | 8 years ago | Reply Remarkable! Every picture tells a story written on each child's face. Such a resilient nation, in the face of adversity - we have this youth who if groomed properly, and they can put their energy to good use. I am lost for words that even in the predicament they find themselves in they put a brave face out and be able to smile - God if these innocent young souls can't give us the resolve to fight for our future then who will?

Kamal | 8 years ago | Reply I want to change their future or for some who I really can genuinely. There are so many NGOs, etc. but the street children are not decreasing but increasing and there is no solid plan from Govt's side to address it and reduce this. Sad affair. People want to help I know but enthusiasm gets lost when there is no proper direction.

Fahim | 8 years ago | Reply I wish I have a lot of money

Faiza | 8 years ago | Reply Every picture made me cry...indeed sad, we are giving no future to our children

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