ILO Warns 8.6M Children Still Trapped in Labour Across Pakistan
Shazia Mehboob
Islamabad: The International Labour Organization (ILO) on Thursday called for urgent and coordinated action to address child labour in Pakistan, warning that an estimated 8.6 million children aged between five and 17 remain engaged in labour across the country.
Speaking at a media briefing held in Islamabad ahead of World Day Against Child Labour, ILO Country Director for Pakistan Geir T. Tonstol said child labour in Pakistan remains deeply linked to poverty, lack of education, informality and weak social protection systems.
According to the ILO, nearly 25.1 million children aged five to 16 are currently out of school in Pakistan, while around 88 per cent of child labour is concentrated in rural areas.
Children are employed in sectors including agriculture, brick kilns, domestic work, waste-picking and other informal industries.
“Child labour reflects poverty, unequal opportunities, barriers to education and gaps in social protection,” Tonstol said. “Addressing it requires more than enforcement alone. It requires quality education, decent work opportunities for adults, adequate incomes and stronger social protection for vulnerable families.”
- 8.6 million children aged 5–17 engaged in child labour in Pakistan
- 25.1 million children aged 5–16 remain out of school
- 88% of child labour cases concentrated in rural areas
- Out-of-school children face a higher risk of entering labour markets
- Pakistan’s compliance on child labour tied to EU GSP+ trade benefits
The ILO stressed that child labour and school exclusion remain closely interconnected, as children out of school are more vulnerable to entering the workforce, while working children are less likely to complete their education.
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The organization urged a comprehensive national response involving federal and provincial governments, employers, labour unions, civil society organizations, development partners and the media.
The briefing highlighted that the federal government is responsible for policy coordination and implementation of national and international commitments, while provincial governments play a key role in labour inspections, child protection, education and enforcement of labour laws.
The ILO also emphasized the importance of responsible business practices and ethical supply chains, noting that Pakistan’s commitments under the European Union’s GSP+ trade scheme are tied to compliance with international labour and human rights conventions.
“There is both a moral imperative and a strong economic case for ending child labour,” Tonstol said, adding that international buyers and consumers increasingly expect supply chains to be free from exploitative labour practices.
The ILO said it will continue supporting Pakistan through partnerships with government institutions, employers and workers’ organizations to strengthen labour systems, awareness campaigns, social dialogue and interventions in sectors where child labour risks remain high.
Observed annually on June 12, World Day Against Child Labour aims to mobilize global efforts to eliminate child labour and ensure safe, healthy and inclusive environments for children.
