On the occasion of World Day Against Child Labour, Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif today reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to ensuring that every child is protected from exploitation and provided with full opportunities to build a bright future through education.
In a message issued on the eve of the day, the Prime Minister said that Pakistan joins the international community in reiterating its resolve to eliminate child labour and safeguard children’s rights. He noted that this year’s theme, *’Red Card to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults,’* highlights the urgency of global action.
Citing International Labour Organization (ILO) data, he said that nearly 138 million children worldwide are engaged in child labour, including around 54 million involved in hazardous work.
He stated that the complete eradication of child labour is essential for national economic and social development as well as social justice. He added that the progress of nations and the development of a strong future workforce depend on an environment that enables children to thrive while being protected from exploitation.
The Prime Minister said that Pakistan’s commitment at the international level is reflected in its ratification of relevant ILO Conventions on the minimum age for employment and the elimination of the worst forms of child labour.
He said that the Government is implementing a comprehensive strategy for the complete elimination of child labour, with special focus on legislative reforms, effective enforcement, social protection, education, and economic empowerment to address root causes.
He added that promoting decent work and eliminating child labour remain key policy priorities. He noted that the National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC) is playing an important role in monitoring children’s rights, while federal and provincial child protection institutions are providing vulnerable children with protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration support. He also said that the Government is working closely with employers’ and workers’ organisations.
Highlighting provincial efforts, the Prime Minister stated that provincial governments have taken commendable legal and administrative measures against child labour. He added that District Vigilance Committees under bonded labour laws and specialised units dealing with child and bonded labour cases are operational across all provinces, reflecting national commitment to child protection.
He acknowledged that poverty remains one of the primary drivers of child labour, adding that despite resource constraints, the Government continues to implement social protection programmes, educational support schemes, and initiatives aimed at expanding access to decent employment. He referred to initiatives such as Waseela-e-Taleem under the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP) and Child Labour Schools operated by Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal as key interventions.
He further said that through the Daanish Schools initiative, thousands of deserving children across the country are receiving quality education and opportunities for a better future.
The Prime Minister also appreciated continued collaboration with the International Labour Organization, UNICEF, the European Union, and other development partners, saying that such partnerships are helping accelerate progress towards stronger labour governance and the elimination of child labour.
Concluding his message, the Prime Minister urged employers, workers, parents, teachers, civil society organisations, religious leaders, the media, and the private sector to join hands with the Government in this national cause. He stressed that protecting children from exploitation is a shared responsibility requiring collective action.
He said Pakistan must work together to build a society where every child is educated, safe, empowered, and able to contribute meaningfully to national development and prosperity.