President Asif Ali Zardari has urged all segments of society to play their role in eliminating child labour and ensuring that every child in Pakistan has access to education, safety and opportunities for a better future.
In his message on the World Day Against Child Labour, observed on June 12, the president said Pakistan joined the international community in reaffirming its commitment to protecting children from exploitation and guaranteeing their right to education.
He said the protection of children was firmly rooted in the Constitution, noting that Article 11 prohibited slavery, forced labour and the employment of children in hazardous occupations, while Article 25-A guaranteed free and compulsory education for all children between the ages of five and sixteen.
“These constitutional provisions define a clear responsibility for the State to safeguard childhood and support education,” the president said.
Highlighting the adverse impact of child labour, President Zardari said children engaged in work were often forced to leave school or lag behind in their studies, limiting their opportunities and undermining skills development. He added that child labour also placed additional burdens on families already facing economic hardships.
“Ensuring that children remain in education is not only a matter of protection but also essential for long-term social and economic well-being,” he said.
The president noted that Pakistan continued to take measures at both federal and provincial levels to reduce child labour and strengthen child protection mechanisms. He said the government’s efforts remained focused on prevention, enforcement of existing laws and providing support to children so they could return to education and a stable environment.
Calling for a collective national effort, President Zardari urged parents, employers, teachers, religious leaders, civil society organizations and citizens to contribute to protecting children from exploitation and keeping them in schools. “A society is judged by how it treats its children,” he said, stressing that every child in Pakistan must have the opportunity to learn, grow and build a secure future.