Children are the source of happiness for all parents. Seeing children under the age of 10 trapped under the vicious claws of child labour is heartbreaking as they are also deprived of essential life-saving facilities like healthcare, education, and security.
Child labour in Pakistan is not new, it has been prevalent for years. One of the main concerns that developing countries face is forced labour. According to the International Labour Organization, about 160 million are employed in forced labour and 76 million of those children are forced to work under hazardous conditions.
In Pakistan, the terrible beginning of this phenomenon dates back to Zia ul Haq’s reign. Children were employed at the newly constructed factories because their wages were lower than those of adult workers. However, child labour is not an isolated event, rather, it’s the result of numerous socioeconomic factors acting together that are causing children to take up a jobs in today’s economy.
The Chief Causes of Child Labour in Pakistan
From weak political reforms to poverty, everything is working against the children in Pakistan which is forcing them to grow up before their time. Since its independence, Pakistan’s economy has faced immeasurable issues which is why, the economic foundations of the country are severely lacking and then there is unemployment in half the country. In urban areas it’s 10% whereas the rural area faces 5%, making people desperate for ways of income and earnings.
Some of the most important causes of child labour are:

Poverty
In Pakistan, poverty is the main pilot of child labour. A study relating child labour to poverty conducted in Karachi in 2008 revealed that 83% of the children in the country are forced into employment due to poverty.
Many families live under the poverty line and rely on incomes from their children so that they can feed their children and meet their basic needs. This is also the reason many families get trapped in cycles of debts that they are coerced into asking their children to work so that they can repay those loans.
Lack of Educational Infrastructure
The link between reducing child labour and providing education has been well-established for a long time and recognized by policymakers and international organizations. However, limited access to quality education, especially in rural areas, makes it difficult for children to attend school.
Education helps prevent child labour by providing children with opportunities to learn and acquire knowledge and equips them with the skills and resources needed to break the cycle of exploitation and poverty but Pakistan’s frail education system and lack of resource management leave no choice for children.
Inadequate Law Enforcement
Although there are many laws against child labour in Pakistan, the implementation of these laws due to corruption and lack of awareness allows employers to exploit children for cheap wages. The lack of enforcement of the law that passed in 1991, the Employment of Children Act that made it illegal to employ children under the age of 14, enables the cycle of child labour and inhibits them from getting an education.
Cultural and Social Differences
In some communities, child labour is socially acceptable. This acceptance can be so ingrained that it allows the custom of child labour, and working children are seen as a normal part of growing up rather than an issue of concern.
Additionally, traditional gender roles further worsen the problem. Girls are frequently expected to take on domestic responsibilities or work in agriculture, while boys are typically sent to labour in industrial sectors. These gender-specific expectations reinforce the idea that child labour is both necessary and appropriate.
High Population Growth and Lack of Awareness
High population growth puts pressure on resources, leading to higher unemployment rates and economic strain on families, pushing more children into the workforce. As parents prioritize immediate economic gain due to a lack of understanding, they force their children to work, leading to long-term physical and mental strain.
Solutions to Prevent Child Labour
As the effects of child labour increase day by day, the government of Pakistan and concerned organizations should work to impose relevant laws and strategies, as there are laws but the lack of implementation is the main root of the problem.

Strengthening Legislation and Executing Justice
The government should look into the labour laws and ensure that the laws are comprehensive and cover all forms of child labour. The police force should increase inspections and monitor industries more closely to prevent any exploitation.
If the government and law enforcement work together to implement training and awareness campaigns in relevant households, organizations can also make a big impact in fighting this curse head-on and prevent families from sending their small children to work.
Enabling High-Quality Education and Resources
Educational organizations should work to expand access to quality education and create incentives for families to send their children to school. Scholarships, free school supplies, and midday meals can encourage attendance and prevent children from wanting to work.
When families are made aware of the negative impacts of child labour on children’s development and well-being. Use media, community programs, and partnerships with NGOs to spread this message.
Role of NGOs and Social Welfare Programs
The government needs to work with NGOs and social welfare programs to change attitudes towards child labour. Encourage community-driven solutions and involve local leaders and organizations. Improving access to social services that support vulnerable children and families, such as healthcare, counselling, and legal aid can also make a big difference in their lives.
In the End
Since 2000, there has been consistent progress in reducing child labour over nearly two decades. However, recent conflicts and crises have driven more families into poverty, increasing the number of children forced into child labour.
However, we are working day and night to prevent this epidemic from spreading. Organizations like the ILO and children like Iqbal Masih are ever-present and are an inspiration for the people in Pakistan and worldwide.
Learn more about the life and struggles of Iqbal Masih and his struggle to win against child labour here.