AMONG other societal flaws, child labour is a bleak reality of our society. Children are compelled to work in factories, work-shops, homes, hotels and at street vendors’ stalls despite the existence of laws and public awareness efforts.

Early-age labour has lasting impacts on a child’s emotional wellbeing which then translates into broader social issues. Many children experience harsh treatment and exhausting working conditions that are inappropriate for their age. These ex-periences negatively affect their confi-dence, emotional growth and ability to build healthy social relationships.

While childhood should be a period of learning and personal development, many are burdened with responsibilities beyond their age that reduce their chances of building a brighter future. This creates disparity among children, as some of them are provided with little opportunity to prove themselves. And they remain victims of a vested social structure in which they exist without having a choice.

Undoubtedly, poverty lies behind this collective curse, but normalising this evil as a fatal compulsion would prevent meaningful change. Greater awareness, stronger implementation of laws, access to education and community support are necessary to protect children. As a society, we should collectively resolve this issue. Children are innocent. They deserve better.

Hamna Soban
Karachi

Published in Dawn, July 21st, 2026