The Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC), in collaboration with the National Commission on the Rights of the Child (NCRC), observed World Day Against Child Labour 2026 under the global theme “Red Card to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults.”
Parliamentary Caucus Reaffirms Commitment
Dr Nikhat Shakeel Khan, Convenor of the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights (PCCR), stated that children represent Pakistan’s future and their protection is fundamental to sustainable national development. She reiterated that the PCCR remains committed to strengthening legislation, improving policy frameworks, and ensuring effective oversight for child welfare.
She emphasized that eliminating child labour requires coordinated action across all sectors, including government, civil society, the private sector, and communities, while also addressing root causes such as poverty, lack of access to quality education, and weak social protection systems.
Call for Stronger Enforcement
Dr Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan, called for stronger child protection mechanisms and rigorous enforcement of existing laws to end child labour. She noted that children must be provided with safe environments and meaningful access to education rather than being compelled into work due to economic hardship.
She further stressed the need for a comprehensive approach involving expanded social safety nets, improved school enrolment and retention, and enhanced institutional coordination to effectively combat child labour.
Political Commitment Essential
Mr Riaz Fatyana, Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan, emphasized the importance of prioritizing child rights within national policymaking and ensuring that legislative commitments translate into practical implementation. He highlighted that child labour reflects deep-rooted socioeconomic disparities and governance challenges.
He further noted that its elimination requires not only strong legal frameworks but also effective enforcement, improved monitoring systems, and greater investment in education and social protection. He called for strengthened collaboration among parliamentarians, government institutions, and civil society to secure a better future for every child in Pakistan.
Call for Collective Red Card
Ms Asiya Arif, Executive Director of SPARC, stressed the need for a collective red card to child labour, addressing the issue in supply chains, hotels, automobile workshops, and brick kiln industries. She emphasized the importance of coordinated and sustained efforts through strong enforcement mechanisms, expanded social protection, and access to quality education as per SDGs and Article 25A of the Constitution.
