Nearly 10 Million Children in Pakistan Working Instead of Attending School, Says UNICEF

Nearly 10 million children in Pakistan are working instead of receiving an education, according to a report released by child labor in Pakistan researchers from UNICEF and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP). The report highlights the growing challenges faced by children who are forced into labor due to difficult economic conditions.

The report revealed that more than 8 million children in Pakistan are engaged in child labor, while over 6 million are involved in hazardous work that can put their health and safety at serious risk.

According to the findings, poverty remains the leading cause of child labor in the country. Children from low-income families and households with less-educated parents are more likely to work rather than attend school. The report also found that boys are significantly more involved in labor, including dangerous occupations, compared to girls.

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A large number of working children are employed in informal and family-based activities. These include work on family farms, in workshops, and within households, where many children contribute to family income from an early age.

The report further stated that child labor in Pakistan has severe negative effects on children’s health and well-being. Many working children do not attend school, work long hours, and face a higher risk of injuries, illness, exhaustion, and mental stress, affecting their overall development and future opportunities.