WE have always believed that the youth is a future asset of our country. They should enjoy the early years of their life and should not be forced to do jobs at an early age.

However, in Pakistan the situation is the opposite of what it should really be. We see these assets being used as labourers and being exploited at an early age. Child labour is a common and serious problem in most underdeveloped countries like Pakistan.

In Pakistan, children are forced by their families to work. In fact, some are even sold.

These children work in workshops, clean streets and might even be forced to become beggars.

The main cause of child labour is poverty and lack of education. Child labour should be banned so that children may not be sold by their parents.

To ensure that child labour is abolished in our country, I request the government to set up schools to provide free education to those who can’t afford to pay for it.

Munazza Burney

Karachi

Published in Dawn, May 3rd, 2015

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