Islamabad: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan's commitment to eliminating child labour and ensuring that every child is protected from exploitation and provided opportunities for education and development.
In his message on the World Day Against Child Labour, observed on June 12, the Prime Minister said Pakistan joins the international community in renewing its resolve to safeguard children's rights and secure a brighter future for them through education.
Referring to this year's global theme, 'Red Card to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults,' the Prime Minister noted that according to the International Labour Organization, nearly 138 million children worldwide are engaged in child labour, including approximately 54 million involved in hazardous work.
He said the complete eradication of child labour is essential for economic and social development, social justice, and the creation of a skilled future workforce.
The Prime Minister highlighted Pakistan's international commitments through the ratification of relevant ILO conventions concerning minimum employment age and the elimination of the worst forms of child labour.
He said the government is implementing a comprehensive strategy focused on legislative reforms, effective enforcement, social protection, education, and economic empowerment to address the root causes of child labour.
The Prime Minister noted that promoting decent work and eliminating child labour remain key policy priorities. He said the National Commission on the Rights of Child is playing an important role in monitoring children's rights and ensuring compliance with national and international obligations.
He added that federal and provincial child protection institutions are providing vulnerable children with protection, support, rehabilitation, and reintegration opportunities.
The Prime Minister said provincial governments have undertaken significant legal and administrative measures against child labour, including the establishment of District Vigilance Committees and specialized units dealing with child and bonded labour cases.
Recognizing poverty as a major driver of child labour, he said the government continues to implement social protection and educational support programmes despite resource constraints. He cited the Waseela-e-Taleem initiative under the Benazir Income Support Programme and child labour schools operated by Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal as important initiatives in this regard.
The Prime Minister said children are the architects of the nation's future and highlighted the role of the Daanish Schools programme in providing quality education to deserving students.
He also acknowledged the support of development partners, including the UNICEF and the European Union, in strengthening labour governance and eliminating child labour.
Calling for collective action, the Prime Minister urged employers, workers, parents, teachers, civil society, religious leaders, media organizations, and the private sector to work alongside the government to protect children from exploitation and ensure equal opportunities for all.