The Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC), together with the National Commission on the Rights of the Child (NCRC), marked World Day Against Child Labour 2026 with a clear call for collective action to end child labour Pakistan faces today. Stakeholders highlighted that protecting children is central to national development and urged coordinated efforts across government, civil society, industry and communities.
Dr. Nikhat Shakeel Khan, Convenor of the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights, said children are Pakistan’s future and that the caucus will continue working to strengthen legislation, policy frameworks and oversight to safeguard child rights. She stressed that eliminating child labour Pakistan-wide requires attention to root causes such as poverty, limited access to quality education and weak social protection systems.
Dr. Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, Member of the National Assembly, called for rigorous enforcement of existing laws and expanded child protection mechanisms so children are educated and safe rather than driven into work by economic hardship. She urged improved school enrolment and retention alongside strengthened institutional coordination to break cycles of deprivation that perpetuate child labour Pakistan endures.
Mr. Riaz Fatyana, Member of the National Assembly, emphasized the need to translate legislative commitments into practical implementation, with better monitoring and enforcement. He noted that child labour reflects deep socio-economic disparities and governance challenges, and that ending it demands sustained political commitment and investment in education and social safety nets.
Ms. Asiya Arif, Executive Director of SPARC, called for a collective red card to child labour and urged targeted action in high-risk sectors such as supply chains, hotels, automobile workshops and the brick kiln industry. She underlined the necessity of strong enforcement mechanisms, consistent funding for children’s wellbeing and alignment with Sustainable Development Goals and Article 16 of the Constitution to secure every child’s right to development.
Dr. Khalil Ahmad Dogar, Program Manager at SPARC, noted that without decent work for adults and adequate social protection, many families have no option but to rely on child labour. Representatives including Nadia Bibi of the NCRC and Sobia Ahmad from the Centre of Labor Research urged implementation of SDG target 8.7 on forced labour and called for integrated responses that protect children while supporting adult livelihoods.
Members of SPARC’s Children’s Clubs participated and spoke about the realities faced by working children, urging immediate and collective measures to end exploitation and ensure access to safe education and development opportunities. The young participants expressed their determination to contribute positively to Pakistan’s future and appealed for equal opportunities so they may realise their potential free from labour that robs them of childhood.
The event reinforced that ending child labour Pakistan-wide will require combined action: stronger laws and enforcement, expanded social protection, investments in education and targeted interventions in vulnerable industries. Stakeholders agreed that only through sustained collaboration and political will can Pakistan secure a safe and dignified childhood for all children.
