‘I wish I could go to school, but my family needs me here’

Joshua J Stephen

Rawalpindi: In the bustling streets of Rawalpindi, amid the vibrant colors and lively chatter, 11-year-old Muhammad Raza can be found diligently selling cloth. His small hands expertly handle the fabric, but it is his eyes that reveal the depth of his dreams and determination.

Raza is not just a cloth seller; he is a young boy with a vision to transform his family’s life and the lives of others like him.

For the past year, Raza has been working to help pay off his sister’s house debt, amounting to a daunting 100,000 rupees. Despite the weight of this responsibility, Raza approaches each day with hope. “I want to pay all of my sister’s debt,” he shares with a determined smile. “I want to be a successful businessman.”

Raza’s aspirations extend beyond his immediate family. He dreams of a future where he can support other children who lack the resources to study. “There are so many children who can’t afford to go to school,” he explains. “I want to help them, so they have the same opportunities I dream of.”

Balancing school and work, Raza embodies resilience. He attends classes in the morning, eagerly absorbing knowledge that fuels his ambition. In the afternoons, he takes to the streets, his cloth-selling venture serving as a stepping stone towards a brighter future.

His story is not just about the financial burden he bears; it is about hope and the power of dreams. Raza envisions a life where he can uplift his family out of poverty and extend that support to others. “Education is important,” he says. “I want to build a business that helps families and children have a chance at a better life.”

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The challenges he faces are significant, yet they do not deter his spirit. His story shines a light on the broader issue of child labor in Pakistan, illustrating the harsh realities many children endure. Yet, Raza’s unwavering resolve and ambition highlight the potential for change and the importance of education in breaking the cycle of poverty.

As Raza continues to work towards his goals, he serves as an inspiration to those around him. His journey is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and his dreams, though lofty, are rooted in a deep desire to create a better world for himself and others.

In the heart of Rawalpindi, Muhammad Raza is not just selling cloth; he is weaving a future of possibilities, one day at a time.

In a world that often overlooks the plight of its youngest laborers, 11-year-old Shahjahan also stands out as a symbol of resilience and strength. 

His days are spent under the relentless sun at a construction site, where the tasks are arduous and the rewards are meager. Yet beneath the layers of dust and sweat is a story that speaks volumes about courage and the harsh realities faced by tens of thousands of children in Pakistan.

After the untimely death of his father, Shahjahan found himself thrust into the role of the family’s sole breadwinner. At an age when most children are focused on school and play, he shoulders the immense responsibility of providing for his loved ones. His work involves carrying heavy planks, a laborious task that earns him a mere 50 rupees for every 100 blocks he moves. Despite the physical toll, Shahjahan remains steadfast in his determination to support his family.

“I do it for my family,” Shahjahan says with a quiet dignity. “We have to survive, and I have to be strong for them.” His words reveal a maturity beyond his years, born out of necessity rather than choice. Shahjahan’s daily struggle is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, but it also highlights the systemic failures that leave children like him vulnerable to exploitation.

The story of Shahjahan is not an isolated one. 

Across Pakistan, countless children are caught in the grip of child labor, sacrificing their childhoods to keep their families afloat. The cycle of poverty is relentless, and without intervention, it continues to claim the dreams of young boys and girls who deserve more than a life of hardship.

Shahjahan’s situation is a poignant reminder of the urgent need for change. His determination to provide for his family, despite the challenges, underscores the resilience that many children possess. Yet, it is also a damning reflection of a system that fails to protect its most vulnerable citizens, leaving them to bear burdens far beyond their years.

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For Shahjahan, education is a distant dream, eclipsed by the immediate need to earn money. “I wish I could go to school,” he admits, his eyes reflecting both hope and resignation. “But my family needs me here.”

Shahjahan’s story serves as a stark reminder of the responsibility society has to its children—to ensure they have access to education, protection, and the opportunity to dream. Until these changes are made, children like Shahjahan will continue to bear the weight of the world on their small shoulders, their potential overshadowed by the struggles of today.

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has issued a stark warning about the worsening child labor crisis in Pakistan. Despite recent progress, millions of children remain trapped in exploitative conditions, working in hazardous environments such as brick kilns and carpet factories.

Munawar Sultana of the ILO emphasizes the need for immediate collective action from the government, civil society, and private sector. “We are facing a crisis,” Sultana states, stressing the urgency of addressing the issue.

According to the Pakistan Labour Force Survey 2017–18, a significant number of children are involved in labor, often under dangerous conditions. This issue hampers their education, healthcare, and overall development, impacting the country’s socio-economic progress.

A stark warning from the International Labour Organization (ILO) has jolted the nation awake to the grim reality that this scourge is not only persisting but intensifying.

To combat this crisis, a multifaceted approach is essential. Strengthening law enforcement, expanding access to education and vocational training, and providing social safety nets are crucial steps. Equally important is raising awareness about the issue and promoting ethical consumption.