THE menace of child labour has remained a pressing issue in Pakistan. Most of the children are employed in household services, minor industries, agriculture, carpet-weaving units, and brick kilns. According to the International Programme on the Elimination of Child Labour (IPEC), the primary causes are lack of access to quality education, cultural norms and inadequate enforcement of labour laws. These factors adversely affect children’s physical and mental health, educational attainment and economic prospects.

Child labour has persisted in Pakistan despite legislative reforms that have unfortunately not translated into any kind of significant change. The system has remained focussed on children as labourers without really addressing the underlying conditions that force them into labour.

Political instability and governance issues further exacerbate the problem. Fighting among parties for seats distracts policymakers from addressing the country’s significant issues, including debt and fiscal deficits, inflation and unemployment, corruption, weak institutions, social matters, and quality of education. Child labour is a symptom of these broader systemic failures.

To combat the menace of child labour effectively, shifting from a functionalist to a critical approach is essential. This involves addressing the root causes, such as poverty and lack of education, rather than merely treating the symptoms. By creating an environment that truely prioritises the welfare and development of children, we can begin to resolve the conditions that lead to child labour.

Danish Jumani
Lahore

Published in Dawn, July 20th, 2024