A new report launched under the European Union-funded Huqooq-e-Pakistan II project has shed light on the alarming scale of child labour in Pakistan, revealing deep-rooted structural challenges and calling for urgent, coordinated reforms.
Titled “At the Margins of Protection: Child Labor in Pakistan’s Private Sector,” the report was unveiled by the National Commission on the Rights of Child (NCRC) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme. The study provides a comprehensive analysis of how child labour persists across private sector value chains, particularly in informal and under-regulated environments.
Child Labour in Pakistan: A Growing Concern
According to the report, one in every ten children in Pakistan is engaged in child labour, with an estimated 8.6 million affected nationwide. Many of these children work in hazardous and exploitative conditions, often hidden from formal monitoring systems.
The findings highlight key drivers of child labour, including poverty, limited access to education, and weak enforcement of labour laws. These issues are especially prevalent in informal sectors and lower tiers of supply chains, where oversight remains minimal.
EU and UNDP Call for Urgent Action
Speaking at the launch, Philipp Oliver Gross, Deputy Head of Mission of the European Union to Pakistan, described the report as a “critical step” in tackling child labour.
He noted that ending child labour is central to Pakistan’s international commitments, including its continued access to the EU’s GSP+ trade benefits.
Meanwhile, Samuel Rizk, Resident Representative of UNDP, stressed the need for institutional reform and stronger data systems.
“This practice is not only widespread but often hidden in informal sectors and supply chains,” Rizk said, reaffirming UNDP’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s policy and institutional frameworks.
Key Findings and Policy Gaps
Based on extensive consultations, interviews, and legal reviews across provinces, the report identifies several systemic gaps:
- Weak coordination between federal and provincial authorities
- Limited labour inspection coverage
- Fragmented and disjointed data systems
- Lack of integration between education, social protection, and labour policies
The report emphasizes that isolated interventions are insufficient and calls for a holistic, systems-based approach to address the issue effectively.
Roadmap for Reform and Accountability
The report outlines key recommendations aligned with the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAP-BHR), which identifies child labour as a priority area. These include:
- Harmonizing labour laws across provinces
- Strengthening inspection and enforcement mechanisms
- Improving data integration and monitoring systems
- Enhancing private sector accountability in supply chains
Ayesha Raza Farooq, Chairperson of NCRC, described the report as a “roadmap for action” rather than a final outcome.
“NCRC will continue working with government institutions, development partners, and the private sector to turn these recommendations into concrete measures that protect children,” she said.
A Milestone in Child Rights Advocacy
The report launch marks a significant milestone under the Huqooq-e-Pakistan II initiative, reinforcing efforts to combat child labour through evidence-based policymaking and multi-stakeholder collaboration.
As Pakistan continues to grapple with the challenge, the report underscores the urgent need for unified action to safeguard children’s rights and ensure a safer, more equitable future.
