Lost Childhood: The Menacing Grip of Child Labour in Pakistan

On a busy road of Lahore, a small figure darted between cars, holding out items for sale. Taimoor’s voice called out to passing motorists, hoping for someone to buy from him. He should have been at school, but like countless children in Pakistan, his classroom had been the street — his lesson, survival.

. . .

Child labour, the coerced employment of underage persons that causes them mental, physical, social, or moral harm, continues to be a deeply entrenched global issue. However, this illegal exploitation of minors is more prevalent in developing countries, one of which is Pakistan. Around 12 to 13 million children between the ages of 5 and 14 are engaged in various forms of child employment in the country. The reasons for this menace range from poverty to a lack of adequate implementation of laws, which have grave consequences.

Poverty is one of the leading causes of child labour, forcing approximately 83% of Pakistan’s working children into employment. Impoverished families usually face economic hardships, forcing children to work to make ends meet. In many low-income households, limited access to family planning services and education results in larger family sizes, which puts additional strain on already stretched resources. When the sole breadwinner dies or his earning does not suffice, young children are compelled to grow up as untrained workers. This is especially evident in rural areas, where child labour is common in agricultural fields and brick kilns.

In some cases, families become trapped in debt bondage as they borrow money from local landlords or employers and are unable to repay the debt. This results in children being forced to engage in unpaid labour, typically in the domestic sector, in order to settle the dues. Furthermore, lack of access to education, often stemming from poverty, is another reason for child labour in Pakistan. The absence of free education and the shortage of schools in rural areas leave children particularly vulnerable to exploitation.

Economic factors, cultural norms, and inadequate labour laws also contribute to child labour in Pakistan. The demand for cheap labour in industries such as agriculture and manufacturing creates an environment where child labour can thrive since children are vulnerable and willing to work for lower wages. Cultural norms and traditional practices have normalized child labour in certain communities, where it is seen as a rite of passage, a familial duty, and an essential component of skill acquisition and vocational training, perpetuating intergenerational cycles of exploitation and reinforcing its societal acceptance.

Similarly, the weak enforcement of labour laws and a lack of effective monitoring mechanisms allow employers to exploit children without facing legal consequences. While recent measures, such as Punjab’s Home-Based Workers Act of 2023, which prohibits the employment of children under 15 years in home-based work, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government’s Child Protection Helpline (1121), and the rescue of around 10,000 children by Child Protection and Welfare Bureaus across Pakistan, signal progress, they fall short of fully addressing the problem.

Pakistan’s laws still fail to meet international standards for minimum working age and do not prohibit the use of children in illicit activities. Provincial labour inspectorates remain under-resourced, national enforcement data are unavailable, and police corruption, including bribe-taking from offenders, further undermines accountability. The aftermath of child labour in Pakistan is noticeable in terms of both the affected children and the nation’s development.

Impact on Lives and National Progress

Child labour not only strips the younger generation of their basic human rights but also takes a toll on their mental and physical health. Employment at an early age deprives children of their rights to education, which limits their future prospects and perpetuates the cycle of poverty as they miss out on the knowledge and skills required for high-paying jobs.

Moreover, working in hazardous conditions, often for long hours, exposes children to various health problems. They may suffer from physical injuries, respiratory problems, and malnutrition. Children may also be subjected to physical and verbal abuse, sexual exploitation, and trafficking due to the absence of protective laws, leaving them traumatized and scarred for the rest of their life.

Child labour has also dented the development and reputation of Pakistan. According to UNICEF Pakistan, an estimated 22.8 million children aged 5-16 are out-of-school. This hampers the overall social development and economic progress of the country as lower human capital potential hinders the growth of industries and the nation as a whole. Additionally, child labour undermines several Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the United Nations, such as ending poverty, ensuring good health and quality education, and reducing inequalities.

Ultimately, child labour remains a haunting reality in Pakistan, with dire consequences. Eradicating this pervasive practice requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses poverty, enhances access to quality education, strengthens law enforcement, and promotes awareness of children’s rights. Collective efforts by the government, civil society, and international organizations must be intensified to help the state break free from the shackles of child labour and create an environment where all children can thrive, dream, and fulfil their true potential.

. . .

Taimoor was one of the fortunate few. Rescued by the team from Lahore Nama in collaboration with the Child Protection Department, he is now on a different path — one that promises free education and the chance to reclaim his childhood. While many children like him await salvation, Taimoor’s story serves as a reminder that although the scale of the problem is vast, change is possible when silence turns into action.