The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR), in collaboration with UNICEF, officially launched a national report on child labour in the country on Thursday.
According to an NCHR press release, the report titled “Pakistan: Child Labour Surveys – Evidence for Action” presents the first nationally representative dataset on child labour in nearly three decades. It provides a detailed analysis of the scale, nature, risks, and root causes of child labour across the country.
Federal Minister for Human Rights, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, stated that the issue of child labour cannot be resolved by the efforts of a single ministry or institution. He noted that available evidence clearly shows that child labour in Pakistan is far more widespread than commonly perceived. Addressing it requires effective legislation, adequate budgeting, institutional coordination, and sustained political commitment.
Speaking at the event, Supreme Court Justice Ayesha Malik emphasized that Pakistan is bound under its Constitution and international agreements to protect children. She highlighted that Article 11 of the Constitution prohibits the employment of children in hazardous occupations, while Article 25-A guarantees every child the right to free and compulsory education. She stressed that children’s voices and experiences must also be included in policymaking to address the complex issue of child labour.
Minister of State for Law and Justice, Barrister Aqeel Malik, stated that child labour is not an unavoidable reality but a consequence of poverty, social deprivation, and insufficient investment. According to him, every child who is in school instead of working represents a success for society.
UNICEF Representative in Pakistan, Pernille Ironside, said the new report will help the government and partner organizations understand where and to what extent child labour exists, and what measures are needed to eliminate it.
NCHR Chairperson Rabia Javeri Agha, while addressing the ceremony, stated that the last comprehensive survey on child labour was conducted in 1996. She noted that the prevalence of child labour varies across provinces and remains a serious national issue.
The report identifies poverty as the primary cause of child labour. It indicates that children of low-income and less-educated parents are more likely to be engaged in labour. Boys are found to be more involved than girls, particularly in hazardous work.
The report further highlights that a large portion of child labour occurs within family settings, farms, workshops, and domestic work, making it difficult to detect and monitor through traditional labour inspection systems.
According to the report, a significant number of working children are deprived of education, work long hours, and face injuries, illnesses, fatigue, and mental health issues.
In Pakistan, approximately 8.6 million children are engaged in child labour, with a substantial number involved in hazardous work that poses serious risks to their health, education, and future.
Provincial data shows that 6 million children are engaged in labour in Punjab, 1.6 million in Sindh, 745,155 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, 201,352 in Balochistan, and 15,180 in Islamabad.
A panel discussion titled “The Real Consequences of Child Labour” was also held during the event, featuring Chairperson of the National Commission on the Rights of the Child Ayesha Raza Farooq, actress and social activist Sarwat Gilani, and Senator Zeeshan Khanzada.
At the conclusion of the event, a child representative, Ameeran, shared how participation in an accelerated learning program supported by UNICEF brought positive changes to their life. After joining the program, they successfully set up a vegetable stall with a fellow student and are now continuing their education alongside work.
