Children at work

One's heart bleeds on seeing young children working in adverse working conditions. It is noteworthy that they do not join any workshop, hotel, petrol pump or any other place of work out of choice rather they do so owing to their financial constraints. These are the real heroes of our society who sacrifice their childhood to secure the future of those who are near and dear to them. When other children are on their way to school, these children leave their homes to attend their workplaces. So, they not only sacrifice their childhood but also their dreams in a bid to support their families that are in dire need of financial help. Nonetheless, their owners/masters take full advantage of their financial expediency and exploit them in every possible way. They are paid meagre wages. They have to work for longer hours. In certain circumstances, they are also used as domestic help.

They are subjected to physical as well mental and psychological torture. For fear of losing their jobs, they remain mum and do not share their difficulties with anyone. Almost on a daily basis, newspapers are abuzz with news of out-of-school children. Reportedly, 25 million children are out of school in the country. Before the elections, the current government vowed to enrol these out-of-school children but now this promise seems to have taken a backseat. The ground realities show that it is extreme poverty which keeps these children from attending schools. If the government is serious enough to enroll these out-of-school children, it will have to sort out their economic woes first. When their families cannot afford three times meals a day, how can they bear educational expenses? Child labour is a serious issue that needs to be tackled on a war-footing. The laws made to end child labour should be implemented in true letter and spirit.

Muhammad Fayyaz Nawrha

Mianwali