Islamabad: Speaker of the National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, emphasized the critical importance of eradicating child labour and ensuring children’s rights to education, describing it as both a national and moral responsibility. This message was conveyed on the eve of the World Day Against Child Labour, observed globally on June 12.

According to National Assembly of Pakistan, Speaker Sadiq highlighted the significance of protecting children, who he described as the nation’s most valuable asset and the foundation for a prosperous Pakistan. He outlined the constitutional guarantees that protect children’s rights, including prohibitions on child labour in hazardous occupations and mandates for free, compulsory education for children aged five to sixteen.

The speaker praised the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights for its active role in promoting and protecting children’s rights, including efforts to address the causes of out-of-school children. He reiterated the Parliament’s commitment to strengthening child protection through effective legislation and called for coordinated efforts to address poverty and social inequalities, which he identified as major drivers of child labour.

Deputy Speaker Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the need for collective action from various sectors to eliminate child labour and create supportive environments for children’s development. He reaffirmed the National Assembly’s dedication to safeguarding children’s rights and promoting their welfare through legislative measures.