ISLAMABAD: National Assembly Speaker Raja Pervaiz Ashraf said on Monday that the nation’s bright future lay with the elimination of the menace of child labour.
In a message on the occasion of International Child Labour Day, which is observed annually on June 12 under the auspices of the United Nations, he said every child should be given the opportunity for standardized education by eliminating all forms of forced labor, mental and physical abuse, particularly against children, from society.
NA speaker emphasized measures to protect children
He also emphasized the importance of taking specific measures to protect children from the dangers of child labor.
According to the speaker, forcing children to work is equal to compromising and destroying their childhood since they are deprived of what is necessary for development.
The speaker said the constitution ensures the protection of children’s rights and that it is the responsibility of the government to provide facilities for children aged 5 to 16 to benefit from free education. He said Pakistan, as a signatory to the International Convention for the Protection of the Rights of the Child, should strictly adhere to international accords to safeguard children from labor.
He further said that taking forced labor from youngsters is a serious offense under Pakistani law. According to Pervez Ashraf, the Pakistani Parliament was the first regional parliament to establish a Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights to ensure child-friendly legislation.
He further said the National Assembly of Pakistan honored the Diamond Jubilee festivities on the completion of Pakistan’s 75th year, and that a special convention of children was also organised on the occasion, with participation from all levels of society. He also emphasized the importance of involving all stakeholders in the effort to completely eliminate child labor in Pakistan.
