The Lahore High Court on Monday summoned concerned officials on October 10 for the elimination of child labour across the country.
Justice Syed Mansoor Ali Shah passed these orders on a petition filed by Human Safety Commission Chairman Pir Muhammad Ali Gilani.
During the hearing, the petitioner-counsel submitted that child labour continues to remain a crucial issue in Pakistan as millions of children are exposed to work activities that are detrimental to their physical and emotional development.
Apart from being mentally, morally and physically dangerous, the petitioner said that child labour prevents children from realising their basic right to education – a right that can safeguard their future and ensure their protection against violence and economic exploitation.
The petitioner pointed out that child labour was a condemnable phenomenon and its elimination is a feasible objective.
“It must be eradicated altogether for the democratic and healthy growth of the society,” he added.
He requested the court to issue directions to the government to conduct an extensive national survey in order to eliminate child labour in the country and order the government to register criminal cases against the persons involved in this menace under the Employment of Children Act, 1991.
The court after recording the initial arguments summoned the officials concerned on October 10 and sought a reply from the statistics bureau over not holding a survey in this regard.
