Households continue to exploit child labour

Despite legal safeguards, thousands of children are still engaged in domestic work behind closed doors

While Pakistan observes International Domestic Workers Day each June to highlight the rights of domestic workers, the situation in Punjab remains troubling. Despite the passage of the Domestic Workers Act in 2019, it has yet to be fully implemented, leaving over 10 million workers, including children, vulnerable to abuse, exploitation and a lack of legal protection.

According to available data, Lahore Division has the highest number of domestic workers (over 4 million), followed by Rawalpindi (1.6 million), Faisalabad (1.4 million), Gujranwala (1.2 million), Multan (700,000), Sargodha (500,000), and Sahiwal and DG Khan divisions (around 200,000 each). Most workers are women and children, often migrating from rural areas. Girls make up a significant portion of child labour in this sector.

The law itself contains key contradictions. It sets the minimum working age at 15 years, conflicting with constitutional provisions, and allows only six weeks of maternity leave compared to 90 days in other laws. Although dispute resolution committees were proposed at the Union Council level, they remain non-functional due to the absence of a local government system. Rules of business exist, but are not enforced.

Civil society activist Amna Malik noted that while discussions around the Act have increased, implementation is missing. "Pakistan has ratified ILO Convention 189, which obligates the country to protect domestic workers. Most workers are uneducated women and girls, making them highly vulnerable. The sector remains undocumented, wages are paid in cash, and minimum wage laws are rarely enforced,” said Malik.

NGO leader Syeda Farah Hashmi stressed the need to formally recognise women’s economic contribution and introduce skill development programmes. Referring to countries like the Philippines, she suggested structured training for domestic workers. She also identified child labour and the lack of social security as major concerns, calling for a dedicated fund and enforcement of the Rs40,000 minimum wage.

Shahnaz Ajmal, president of the Women Domestic Workers Union in Punjab, shared her personal story of abuse and exploitation. She now works to organise and empower workers, raising awareness about their rights. She pointed out gender-based wage discrimination and demanded social security cards, inclusion in the Benazir Income Support Programme, and implementation of minimum wages.

Domestic workers Sajida Khatoon and Sakina Bibi revealed that they have spent years working without receiving any rights. “NGOs often conduct symbolic activities without real impact. We face salary deductions for leave and receive no medical support,” complained the two women, urging the government to provide financial assistance.

Director General Labour, Punjab, Syeda Kulsume Hai, acknowledged that the law was drafted hastily and contains gaps. She highlighted enforcement challenges, especially due to the privacy of households, and the lack of finalised rules of business. “Amendments are being proposed, including raising the minimum working age to 16. Plans are also underway for child labour rehabilitation centres offering education, healthcare, and vocational training. Registration drives and digital systems are being developed to improve monitoring,” said Hai.

Director of Punjab Social Security Rashid Badar pointed out that domestic work falls under the informal sector and that there is no clear mechanism for funding social security. Without government support or contribution systems, benefits cannot be extended. He also noted staff shortages and challenges in household inspections.

Union leader Shazia Saeed stated that despite legislation, implementation mechanisms remain absent. “Workers continue to face low wages, no leave, job insecurity, and a lack of healthcare and education for their children,” said Saeed, who urged workers to unite and demand equal rights, social security coverage and protection from harassment.