Child Labor is common in developing countries like Pakistan, but our law not only discourages it but also makes it illegal. In this regard, Article 11 of the Constitution of Pakistan, 1973 is in force which prohibits slavery, forced labor, and child labor. Here’s the relevant text from the law:

No child below the age of fourteen years shall be engaged in any factory or mine or any other hazardous employment.

Article 11(3)

Like most of the basic human rights, this is also applicable to foreign children living in Pakistan, such as Afghan refugees. This law sets a bar of age of 14 years. Any child below this age must not be employed in any factory, mine, or other hazardous employment.

The law recognizes the importance of labor in a developing country like Pakistan. There are many mouths to feed, and refusing employment would result in bad economical situations. This is why the children above 14 years of age are permitted to work in these environments. Moreover, the children below 14 years are allowed to work in non hazardous employments such as offices.

It is, however, unfortunate that we still see children working in hazardous employments. The flaw lies in the implementation of the law which is the duty of the goverment. The High Court can also intervene and make necessary orders to restore this fundamental right of the children, but the primary duty remains with the government.