PA passes resolution curbing child labour

LAHORE:In a significant and unanimous move, the Punjab Assembly passed a resolution aimed at eliminating child labour from the province.

The resolution, presented by MPA Sarah Ahmad, who also serves as the Chairperson of the Child Protection & Welfare Bureau Punjab, calls for immediate and sustained government action against the exploitation of children.

The resolution urged the Punjab government to adopt urgent and sustainable measures to end forced labour, particularly the employment of children, which continues to be a pressing human rights concern in many parts of Punjab. It also recommends the introduction of robust legislation to criminalise child labour, coupled with strict implementation of existing laws designed to safeguard children’s rights.

Speaking after the resolution’s passage, MPA Sarah Ahmad said, ‘Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz is very serious about the child labour and bonded labour issue in Punjab.’ The resolution enjoys strong backing from the Punjab Assembly’s Caucus on Child Rights. The Caucus pledged to monitor progress and ensure that the protection of children remains a legislative and executive priority. The resolution is being hailed as a major step forward in the province’s efforts to confront bonded and forced labour.