Not all children in Pakistan are lucky to enjoy their childhood. Many of them are forced to work under inhuman conditions where their miseries know no end. Though there are laws banning child labour, still children continue to be exploited as cheap labour. It is because the authorities are unable to implement the laws meant to protect children from being engaged as labourers.
Unfortunately, the actual number of child labourers in Pakistan goes un-detected. Children are forced to work is completely unregulated condition without adequate food, proper wages, and rest. They are subjected to physical, sexual and emotional abuse.
Factors such as poverty, lack of social security, the increasing gap between the rich and the poor have adversely affected children more than any other group. We have failed to provide universal education, which results in children dropping out of school and entering the labour force.
Loss of jobs of parents in a slowdown, farmers’ suicide, armed conflicts and high costs of healthcare are other factors contributing to child labour.
Due to high poverty and poor schooling opportunities, child labour is quite prevalent in Pakistan. Child labour is found in rural as well as urban areas.
Children comprise 40% of the labour in the precious stone cutting sector. They are also employed in other industries such as embroidery, dhabas, tea stalls and restaurants and in homes as domestic labour.
