KP govt approves Child Labour Action Plan to cater 745,000 children
Pakistan
Around 74% of these children are living in extremely poor and harsh conditions, with no proper welfare system in place
PESHAWAR (Aamir Jameel) – Child labour in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is reaching alarming levels, with 745,000 children forced into work across the province.
According to a report by the Labour Department, these children are between 5 and 17 years old, and 70% of them are boys.
The Labour Department stated that the provincial government, recognizing the severity of the situation, has approved a Child Labour Action Plan. Under this plan, various departments have been directed to take immediate measures for child protection.
District-wise data from KP shows that Bannu and Lower Dir rank highest in the number of children affected by child labour. Around 74% of these children are living in extremely poor and harsh conditions, with no proper welfare system in place.
The report further highlights that a large portion of child labourers are engaged in the agricultural sector, where long working hours and strenuous labour expose them to both physical and mental health issues.
Officials say poverty, economic pressure, and the lack of schools are the primary drivers of child labour, forcing parents to send their children to work instead of school.
Under the newly approved Action Plan, the Labour Department will restructure Anti–Child Labour Units, launch child welfare schemes, and soon introduce special programmes to support families economically.
