ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eliminating child labor, stressing that every child has the right to protection, education, and a safe future free from exploitation.
In their separate messages, released in connection with the celebration of World Day Against Child Labor on Friday, the two leaders referred to Article 11 of the Constitution of Pakistan, which prohibits forced labor and exploitation of children. At the same time, Article 25-A guarantees free and compulsory education to all children.
President Zardari, in his message, said child labor not only deprives children of their childhood but also damages their future and education.
He said steps are being taken at both federal and provincial levels to eliminate child labor, but added that effective implementation of laws is essential to protect vulnerable children from exploitation.
The president said children trapped in exploitative labor must be brought back into schools and provided a safe and supportive environment.
He also called on parents, teachers, religious leaders, civil society, and employers to play their role in protecting children and ensuring that no child is deprived of education.
“No one should be allowed to exploit children,” the President said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sharif, in his separate message released from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in Islamabad, said that Pakistan joins the international community in reaffirming its commitment to protecting every child from exploitation and providing them opportunities for a brighter future through education.
He went on to say that this year’s theme, “Red Card to Child Labor: Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults,” highlights the need for collective action against child labor.
Citing International Labor Organization estimates, he said, “nearly 138 million children worldwide remain engaged in child labor, including around 54 million in hazardous work.”
The prime minister said that Pakistan has ratified relevant ILO conventions on minimum age for employment and elimination of the worst forms of child labor.
He added, “The government is pursuing a comprehensive strategy focused on legal reforms, enforcement, social protection, education, and economic empowerment to address the root causes of child labor.”
Sharif said that institutions such as the National Commission on the Rights of Child, Child Protection Institute, provincial child protection bodies, and welfare bureaus are working to support vulnerable children.
