Children are the most essential part of a society. Their healthy growth and development is very important for the future of the world. Unfortunately, children, despite their importance, remain at risk of exploitation and abuse as they are dependent on other people. Child labor is one of the many forms of child exploitation and abuse. It remains an issue across the globe, despite efforts to eradicate it.
The International Labour Organization (ILO) defines child labor as work that deprives children of their childhood, potential, and dignity. Not only is it mentally, physically, socially, and morally dangerous and harmful to children but it also deprives them from basic child rights of education, health and safety.
Article 11 of the Constitution of Pakistan prohibits any form of forced labor and children under the age of 14 from employing in any dangerous conditions.
In this article, we will be discussing different types of child labor, its impact and reporting channels in Pakistan to report child abuse.
1. Types of Child Labor
Child labor comes in different forms which are all exploitative in their nature. The most common form of child labor in Pakistan are as under,
a. Hazardous Labor
Hazardous child labor involves children working in hazardous conditions, often for long hours for minimal or no pay. These children are subjected to physical, emotional, and psychological harm.
Hazardous labor involves working underground, underwater, at dangerous heights, in confined spaces, working with dangerous machinery, equipment and tools.
b. Bonded Labor
Bonded child labor occurs when a child is forced to work to repay a debt owed by their family. This form of exploitation traps children and their families in cycles of poverty and debt. In this form of labor, the child and their family are stuck in a long cycle of exploitation across generations.
c. Street Labor
Street children engage in various forms of work on the streets, including begging, collection of discarded waste and selling. These children are often from families with poor financial resources. And lack access to education and healthcare. They face numerous risks, including exploitation, abuse, and involvement in criminal activities.
d. Domestic Labor
Child Domestic Labor is when children are employed in domestic labor work in private households and perform tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and childcare. It is often hidden from public view, domestic child labor exposes children to exploitation, abuse, and isolation, with little to no legal protection.
e. Trafficking and Forced Labor
Child trafficking involves the recruitment, transportation, or harboring of children for the purpose of exploitation. Trafficked children may be forced into various forms of labor, including domestic servitude, prostitution, or involvement in criminal activities. This egregious violation of human rights robs children of their freedom and dignity.
2. Effects on Children and Society
Child Labor has far reaching effects on children involved in child labor as well as overall growth and development of the society.
a. Economic Impact
Child labor plays a huge role in keeping poor families poor as it deprives children of schooling and education. These children in future turn into unskilled labor who get low wages and are exploited.
b. Social Impact
Children who are forced into labor do not only get deprived of their childhood but also the opportunity to grow socially is taken away from them. In the long run it plays a role in creating feelings of depravity and exploitation in them.
c. Health Impact
Working in hazardous conditions exposes children to various health risks, including injuries, respiratory illnesses, and exposure to harmful chemicals. The physical and psychological toll of child labor can have long-lasting effects on children's health and well-being that limits their prospects.
d. Educational Impact
Child labor deprives children of their right to education which results in illiteracy that limits their opportunities for personal and professional development. Without access to education, children are trapped in a cycle of poverty, with limited prospects for upward social and economic mobility.
e. Psychological Impact:
Child labor traumatizes children while negatively impacting their self-esteem and self-worth. Children who are exploited and abused may suffer from anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), affecting their ability to form healthy relationships.
3. Citizens’ Role in Ending Child Labor
Child labor is illegal under different laws in Pakistan. As citizens, it is our responsibility to play our role in ending child labor in the country.
Here are few ways in which we can play our role in ending child labor in Pakistan.
a. Raise Awareness
You can educate your friends and family about the harms of child labor. Teach them about the laws regarding employment of underage children and the punishments.
b. Report Suspected Cases
If you suspect child labor in your neighborhood or community, report it to local authorities or child protection organizations. The complete list of reporting channels in Pakistan is given below in this article.
c. Employment
Do not employ children under 18 years of age, give employment opportunities to people above 18 years of age and give them a salary according to laws.
d. Support
Support families that are facing financial difficulties, on the condition that they will send their children to school. This can play a huge role in reducing child labor.
You can use the following educational resources to help send children to schools who may otherwise become victims of child labor,
- Benazir Taleemi Wazaif
Benazir Taleemi Wazaif is a scholarship program under the umbrella of Benazir Income Support Program (BISP). Under this program trimonthly stipend is paid to families who are registered in BISP for sending their children to school or college. You can learn in detail about Benazir Taleemi Wazaif here on BISP’s website.
- Pakistan Bait ul Maal Educational Stipends
Pakistan Bait ul Maal also provides scholarships to deserving students. To see the detail procedure to apply for Bait ul Maal scholarship check their website.
- Daanish Schools
Daanish Schools are an initiative of the Government of the Punjab aimed at providing free to provide quality elementary, secondary, and higher secondary education to deserving students in Punjab. You can learn more about Daanish Schools here.
- The Citizen Foundation (TCF) Schools
The Citizen Foundation (TCF) has schools established all across Pakistan where children from deserving families are provided free quality education. You can locate a TCF school near you from their website.
- SOS Children’s Village Schools
SOS Children's Village has several schools across Pakistan where orphaned children who live in SOS Children’s Village and children from local communities are educated for free. You can find an SOS’ Hermann Gmeiner School near you by visiting their website.
- Al-Khidmat Foundation Scholarships and Schools
Al-Khidmat Foundation Pakistan provides scholarships to children from deserving families to get education. It also has schools established across Pakistan to provide education to children in need. You can contact Al-Khidmat Foundation’s helpline on 0800-44448 to complete details.
- Akhuwat Foundation Pakistan Schools
Akhuwat Foundation Pakistan has adopted different government schools across Pakistan where quality education is provided to underprivileged students. You can find the list of the schools adopted by Akhuwat Foundation on their website or you can call Akhuwat Foundation on their helpline number, 042-111448464.
e. Community Engagement
Raise your voice and collaborate with your community to change attitudes around child labor. And help in finding solutions to issues in your community that are resulting in child labor.
4. Reporting Channels
If you are in Pakistan and you witness any kind of child abuse including child labor, you can report it to authorities through the following resources.
| Territory | Organization | Contact Information |
| Countrywide | Ministry of Human Rights | 1099 |
| Sahil Head Office Helpline |
051-2260636 051-2856950 | |
| Sindh | Child Protection Authority |
1121 021-9933065 |
| Balochistan | Child Protection Unit, Balochistan Police | 081-9201262 |
| Punjab | Child Protection and Welfare Bureau | 042-1121 |
| Ombudsperson Punjab | 1050 | |
| Khyber Pakhtunkhwa | Child Protection and Welfare Commission | 1121 |
| Zamung Korr | 091-9331937-41 |
Ask Bolo
If you have any questions related to govenment and non-government services in Pakistan, you can send us a direct message on our Facebook page or through our website chat box. Our team of dedicated moderators answers your questions from Monday to Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm