LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has pledged to eliminate child labour, ensuring a safe, dignified and prosperous future for children across the province.

On the World Day Against Child Labour, the chief minister reaffirmed on Friday the government’s resolve to eradicate the menace and urged parents to provide their children with access to education, healthcare and recreational opportunities.

She emphasised that respect for children’s rights is a hallmark of a civilised and dignified society, adding that Punjab is now the safest province for children. “Children are my red line,” she said, stressing that violence, abuse or exploitation of children in any form is unacceptable.

Ms Nawaz appealed to parents to treat children with love and care rather than subjecting them to labour.

She vowed strict legal action against those found involved in child labour at brick kilns or any other workplace.

The chief minister says the theme of World Day Against Child Labour – Fair opportunities for children, no to child labour, and dignified employment for youth – serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility to protect children and secure their future.

She says the Child Protection and Welfare Bureau and other social welfare institutions in Punjab are actively working to safeguard children’s rights and welfare.

“Every child is our future. We want to see books and laptops in their hands, not bricks, stones or iron tools,” she said, adding that initiatives such as the Honhaar Scholarship programme and the distribution of laptops are encouraging children to pursue education.

She underscored the need for awareness and action to eliminate child labour, saying the challenge cannot be addressed through individual efforts alone.

Published in Dawn, June 13th, 2026