Summary
- President Zardari expressed concern that child labour continues to rob many children of their education and future prospects.
- He said every child has the right to education, security, and equal opportunities, adding that child labour continues to deny millions of children the chance to build a better future.
- Calling for united action, the Senate chairman said Pakistan’s future depends on creating a society where every child is free from exploitation and able to pursue education and personal development.
ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and ensuring access to education, stressing that safeguarding children and providing them with learning opportunities are constitutional obligations of the state.
In a message issued on the occasion of the World Day Against Child Labour, the president said every child deserves a safe, secure, and nurturing childhood along with access to quality education. He noted that Pakistan’s Constitution clearly prohibits child exploitation and forced labour under Article 11, while Article 25-A guarantees free and compulsory education for all children.
President Zardari expressed concern that child labour continues to rob many children of their education and future prospects. He said both federal and provincial governments are taking measures to address the issue, but emphasized that stronger enforcement of existing laws is essential to eliminate child exploitation.
He urged authorities and society to work together to rescue children from exploitative conditions and help them return to schools and safe environments. The president also called on parents, teachers, religious scholars, employers, and civil society organizations to play an active role in protecting children and ensuring they are not deprived of education.
Describing child exploitation as unacceptable in any civilized society, he said nations are ultimately judged by how they treat their youngest citizens. He added that investing in children’s education is an investment in the country’s future and stressed that collective national efforts are necessary to eradicate child labour.
Meanwhile, Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani also marked the occasion by renewing his pledge to support initiatives aimed at ending child labour. He said every child has the right to education, security, and equal opportunities, adding that child labour continues to deny millions of children the chance to build a better future.
Gilani emphasized the need for effective legislation and sustained policy measures to protect children’s rights and dignity. He said Parliament has a crucial role in developing and strengthening laws that promote education and prevent exploitation.
Calling for united action, the Senate chairman said Pakistan’s future depends on creating a society where every child is free from exploitation and able to pursue education and personal development. He stressed that continuous and practical efforts are required to eliminate child labour completely and secure a brighter future for the country’s children.
