What we owe children

According to our constitution and labour laws, the practice of employing children who are under the age of 14 is illegal. However, due to financial issues, many people still send their children to work. According to the Economic Survey of Pakistan, 58 percent of people in Pakistan are illiterate. Currently, there are 11 million children in the country, who are trapped in child labour. Nearly half of them are under the age of 10. The government could reduce these numbers by addressing the education crisis that has plagued our country.

If it is difficult for the government to provide every child with formal education, it should at least give them technical education. This will at least help them to earn a living and contribute to the betterment of the country.

Tahir Rasheed

Karachi