On this World Day Against Child Labour, we reaffirm our collective responsibility to protect children from exploitation and ensure their right to education, safety, and dignity. Child labour is both a cause and consequence of poverty, and tackling it is essential to building a just and equitable society.
The Constitution of Pakistan under Article 11(3) clearly prohibits the employment of children below the age of fourteen in any factory, mine, or other hazardous employment. This constitutional commitment is central to our efforts to eradicate child labour. Moreover, aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 8.7, Pakistan remains dedicated to eliminating child labour in all its forms. The Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety is addressing the root causes through its key programmes BISP and PBM.
The Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), through its Waseela-e-Taleem initiative, provides conditional cash transfers to help children from low-income families stay in school, thus reducing their vulnerability to child labour. Whereas, Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal runs Child Labour Schools that offer free education, stipends, and support to working children and their families. These schools also provide rehabilitation and skills training to help children transition to better futures.
Our broader social protection framework—including support for health, nutrition, and income generation—serves to empower families and reduce reliance on child labour.
But government action alone is not enough. I urge employers to uphold child labour laws, parents to prioritize education, and communities to be proactive in protecting children. The media, civil society, and faith leaders must continue to raise awareness and advocate for children’s rights.
Let us work together to build a Pakistan—and a world—where no child is forced to work, and every child is free to learn, grow, and dream.
