‘13m children face forced labour in Pakistan’

Akhtar says it was more important now than ever before to ensure that children were kept out of forced labour

KARACHI: As many as 13 million children in Pakistan are facing forced child labour as rising poverty, joblessness and inflation has meant they cannot afford an education, claimed Karachi mayor Wasim Akhtar on Friday.

On the occasion of World Day Against Child Labour, Akhtar stated that the number of children subjected to forced labour was increasing day by day, adding that it was not uncommon for children to be seen as a natural part of the labour force in Pakistan.

"We often see children working at hotels, tea shops, factories and auto-mechanic shops," he pointed out, adding that while legislation like the Children Act, 1991, and Employment of Children Rules, 1995, existed in the country, they were seldom implemented.

This, he stated, had left many children in Pakistan viewing education as nothing but a desire. "Their parents should be given financial assistance so they can send their children to school rather than to shops or factories."

"We should make people aware of the demerits of child labour and motivate them to create environments that cultivate the education and welfare of children," said Akhtar.

Speaking of the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on labour security and conditions, Akhtar reminded those present that it was more important now than ever before to ensure that children were kept out of forced labour.

He pointed out that they were working on the streets, in factories and at markets - all of which were unsuitable environments during the pandemic.

Published in The Express Tribune, June 13^th, 2020.