In 2021, Pakistan made minimal progress in combating the worst forms of child labor, despite some positive legislative efforts. Key developments included the passage of laws in Balochistan prohibiting hazardous work for children under 14, banning corporal punishment of children, and establishing special courts dedicated to child protection. Moreover, the Federal Investigative Authority trained law enforcement agencies, and more than 1,000 children were rescued from begging in Punjab. However, Pakistan’s advancement remained minimal due to practices that hindered significant progress.

To address this issue, vocational training programs are trying to reduce child labor in Pakistan. These programs focus on equipping children with practical, market-driven skills to enhance their employability as they transition into adulthood. Training in various fields allows these children to acquire skills that are in high demand, giving them a chance to secure stable, better-paying jobs.

Vocational Training Reducing Child Labor in Pakistan

The Prime Minister’s Youth Skill Development Program (PMYSDP) plays a pivotal role in providing vocational training opportunities for Pakistan’s youth. By focusing on both high-tech and conventional skills, the program equips young people with market-driven expertise, enabling them to transition from exploitative labor conditions into stable and dignified employment. Through these efforts, PMYSDP could not only help curb child labor in Pakistan but also empower young individuals to improve their socio-economic standing and contribute to the future development of Pakistan.

The Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal School for Rehabilitation of Child Labor, established in 1995, aims to remove children aged 5-14 from hazardous labor and provide them with free education, clothing and a stipend, along with subsistence support for their families. With 159 centers across the country, the program currently benefits 17,871 students. The program helps children from industries like brick kilns, mining and agriculture enroll in schools and receive primary education over four years, with opportunities for higher education.

The joint projects on eliminating child labor in Pakistan have implemented successful strategies, including the use of a unified non-formal education curriculum across districts for consistency and scalability. Furthermore, collaborating with government partners and using the Supporting Children’s Rights through Education, the Arts, and the Media (SCREAM) initiative for teacher training has fostered ownership and improved program delivery. A key achievement is extending pre-vocational and vocational training to working children, including those under 12 and their mothers, offering alternatives to child labor. Involving mothers has empowered them and strengthened their commitment to ensuring their children attend training programs regularly.

Making a Change

In conclusion, Pakistan is making progress in the fight against child labor through education, skills training and empowering families. Programs like the Prime Minister’s Youth Skill Development Program and Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal are giving children the tools to break free from exploitative work and build brighter futures. Indeed with continued commitment to enforcement and support for vocational training, Pakistan can create lasting change, transforming the lives of its youth and unlocking their potential for a better tomorrow.

– Aneela Agha

Aneela is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

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