Combating Child Labour in Pakistan: A Legal Perspective

Introduction:

Child labour remains a global concern, affecting the lives of millions of children worldwide. Pakistan, as a developing country, has been grappling with the issue of child labour for decades. This article aims to shed light on child labour in Pakistan, exploring the legal framework in place to combat this grave problem.

Child Labour in Pakistan:

Child labour refers to the employment of children in work that is harmful to their physical and mental development, robbing them of their childhood and denying them opportunities for education. In Pakistan, child labour is prevalent in various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, mining, domestic work, and street vending. These children often work long hours, in hazardous conditions, for meager wages, and are vulnerable to exploitation.

Legal Framework in Pakistan:

To address the issue of child labour, Pakistan has enacted several laws and regulations to protect the rights of children and eliminate child labour. The key legislations related to child labour in Pakistan include:

• The Employment of Children Act, 1991:

This act prohibits the employment of children below the age of 14 in any occupation. It also stipulates that children between the ages of 14 and 18 should not be employed in hazardous occupations and processes that may adversely affect their health, safety, or morals.

• The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1992:

This act aims to abolish the bonded labor system, which often leads to child labor. It prohibits the employment of children in bonded labor and provides for the release and rehabilitation of bonded laborers, including children.

• The Punjab Restriction on Employment of Children Act, 2016:

Enforced in the province of Punjab, this act imposes restrictions on the employment of children below the age of 15 in any occupation. It outlines penalties for violations and establishes monitoring and inspection mechanisms to ensure compliance.

• The National Child Labour Policy, 2020:

The National Child Labour Policy provides a comprehensive framework for addressing child labor issues. It emphasizes the importance of education, social protection, and awareness-raising campaigns to combat child labor effectively.

Challenges and Future Outlook:

While Pakistan has made progress in enacting legislation to address child labour, challenges persist in its effective implementation and enforcement. Factors such as poverty, inadequate access to quality education, social norms, and weak law enforcement mechanisms contribute to the persistence of child labour. To overcome these challenges, a multi-faceted approach involving government agencies, civil society organizations, and international cooperation is required. Strengthening the education system, enhancing labor inspections, and raising awareness among communities can significantly contribute to eradicating child labour.

Conclusion:

Child labour is a serious violation of children's rights and hampers their physical, mental, and social development. Pakistani laws, including the Employment of Children Act, the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, the Punjab Restriction on Employment of Children Act, and the National Child Labour Policy, provide a legal framework to combat child labour. However, concerted efforts from all stakeholders are needed to effectively implement and enforce these laws, address the root causes of child labour, and create a society where every child can enjoy their childhood, access quality education, and realize their full potential.

(submitted by Ayesha Kabeer)