Federal Human Rights Minister Visits Child Protection Institute on World Day Against Child Labour 2025
Islamabad— In observance of the World Day Against Child Labour, Federal Minister for Human Rights Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar paid a visit to the Child Protection Institute (CPI) under the Ministry of Human Rights in Islamabad. The visit aimed to reaffirm the government’s commitment to eliminating child labour and safeguarding the rights of vulnerable children across Pakistan.
During his visit, Senator Tarar met with children residing at the institute, many of whom are survivors of severe human rights violations including domestic abuse, underage and forced marriages, and exploitative labour. He listened to their experiences, provided words of encouragement, and presented them with small gifts—offering a moment of reassurance and solidarity in a safe and nurturing space.
Child Labour: A Deeply Rooted Human Rights Challenge
In a briefing held at the facility, the Minister emphasized that child labour continues to be one of the most critical human rights concerns in Pakistan. He highlighted how it robs children of education, safety, and the ability to reach their full potential. Senator Tarar pointed out that structural challenges such as poverty, social exclusion, and limited access to quality education and welfare services are core drivers of child exploitation.
He acknowledged the significance of recent legal reforms, particularly the Employment of Children (Amendment) Act, which raised the minimum employment age to 14 years in the Islamabad Capital Territory and included child domestic work in the list of hazardous occupations. He stated that legislation alone is not enough and called for a multi-pronged approach including awareness campaigns, corporate responsibility, and robust social safety nets to prevent child labour at its roots.
Call for Collective Action and Enhanced Coordination
The Minister urged citizens to play an active role by reporting child abuse or exploitation through Helpline 1121, which offers immediate protection and referral services for children in distress. He also emphasized the need for coordinated action between federal and provincial authorities to ensure proper enforcement of child protection laws.
Senator Tarar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to eliminating all forms of child labour in line with constitutional provisions and global obligations, including the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. He called upon all segments of society—government bodies, civil society organizations, businesses, and local communities—to join hands in creating a future where every child has access to education, protection, and opportunity.
