Sindh govt determined to eradicate child labour, says CM

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah said on Thursday his provincial government is determined to eradicate child labour.

In his message on the occasion of International Day Against Child Labor, he said the Sindh government's determination to end child labour has become firmer. Shah said the campaign to end child labour has been made more effective so that every child can get education. Strict implementation of the laws against child labour is being ensured and action is being taken against the violators of the law, he added.

The chief minister further said that taking children as forced labour is a serious crime, for the prevention of which the government has adopted a coordinated strategy. He noted that the government has allocated a special budget for the protection, education and welfare of children.

He stressed that full implementation of International Labor Organisation (ILO) convention is the first priority of his government. Partnership with social organisations and Unicef is being increased for the elimination of child labour. Moreover, during the year 2025, there has been a significant reduction in child labour in Sindh, but the struggle will continue until its complete elimination, he added. Through the school return campaign, thousands of children have been brought out of labour and into education.

The chief minister stressed that awareness campaigns should be continued so that parents and society are informed about the rights of children. More steps are being taken for the health, education, safety and welfare of children, he said.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah took strong notice of the Shikarpur incident, strongly condemned the killing of four people and sought an immediate report from Sindh IGP Ghulam Nabi Memon.

There will be no compromise on law and order, he said and added that the accused involved in the Shikarpur incident should be arrested immediately. He directed strict action against elements hostile to peace.

The firing incident took place near Garhi Yasin Toll Plaza in the Shikarpur area, the IGP informed the CM. Armed suspects opened fire on a car, resulting in the death of four people. The CM expressed heartfelt sympathies for the families of those killed in the Shikarpur incident.