In a resounding chorus of voices, prominent Pakistani celebrities are joining forces to condemn the egregious practice of child labour, sending a powerful message that the exploitation of young lives will no longer be tolerated.
Renowned actor Mahira Khan has taken a strong stance against child labour, labelling it as illegal, unethical, and detrimental to the future of the nation. She passionately urged individuals across all walks of life to comprehend the gravity of this issue and put an end to it. Addressing the issue, she expressed her appeal to the privileged segment of society.
"Child labour is illegal," said the star. "It is wrong and unethical. For God's sake, for the sake of these little children, for the future of this country, understand this, and stop it. This message is not for those helpless parents who are forced to send their children to work. No mother or father would want that the age at which their child should be studying, playing, should be spent working. The strange thing is that incidents like Rizwana's, the homes in which they take place, are usually educated, literate, powerful households. Why?"
Continuing further, she said, "Perhaps because they know that they will be granted bail easily. There will be no accountability. So this appeal of mine is to people like me and you, to people like us: people who are in positions of power, who have platforms, who have voices, who are lucky enough that we don't have to send our children to beg and plead, nor do we have to send our children to places or houses which are unknown to us - where God forbid, our children are abused, tortured. So, my appeal is for all of us to speak out, for lawmakers to provide enough so that these children don't have to go and work. And, of course, most importantly, when there are cases like Rizwana's, there must be accountability."
Actor Wahaj Ali echoed these sentiments, imploring those who value his words to recognise the pain and injustice inflicted upon innocent children forced into labour. "Making children work, slave at home, subjecting them to torture and cruelty is painful and wrong," highlighted the star. "I completely understand that our circumstances make survival immensely difficult, which is why many are forced to send pieces of their hearts to your homes for work. This does not mean that we take advantage of their helplessness, or exploit the same.
He continued to state, "We can help them in many other ways. We cannot hire their kids, make them work, and rob them of their childhood. We cannot inflict cruelty on them. This is a crime. There is no pardon for this crime - as there should not be. Therefore, please, if you see such cruelties around you - be it towards a human or animal, anyone - take strict action. We have to collectively fix our society, it is in our control. Please, think about this, and raise your voice."
Hamza Ali Abbasi, another prominent figure in Pakistan's entertainment industry, emphasised the need to collectively address this pressing issue. Acknowledging the harsh economic realities faced by underprivileged families, Abbasi stressed that the normalisation of child labour must come to an end. "I admit that we're a poor country and society; these children are a source of income for underprivileged families," said Abbasi. "But having understood that, having realised that we are not a well-off society, it is still quite alarming that the family's burden of poverty is shared by these children, robbing them of their childhood. Let's not normalise this to the extent that this is our accepted reality."
Furthermore, he said, "Despite being a poor country, these increasingly cruel incidents must serve as a lesson for us. It is not normal to assume that children belonging to poor families should have their childhood stolen from them and that they are destined to work as child labourers." The actor also added, "Wherever possible, the torturous and painful cases coming forward, we must voice our concerns and spread this thinking - on governmental and civilian levels - that child labour is not normal. We should try in our circle to discourage this and stop it constructively."
The collective appeal from these celebrities underscores the urgency of action and emphasises the need for societal change. Child labour remains a harsh reality in many parts of the world, including Pakistan, where economic hardship often compels families to make heartbreaking choices. While acknowledging the economic constraints, these celebrities are highlighting the importance of breaking this cycle and ensuring that children are not deprived of their basic rights, including education and a nurturing childhood.
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