It was a hot day, as usual. A friend and I decided to visit the bazaar to spend some time together....
THINK PAD
It was a hot day, as usual. A friend and I decided to visit the bazaar to spend some time together. As we walked through the crowded streets, my attention was drawn to a young boy in torn, dirty clothes begging for money. Feeling concerned, I approached him and asked what circumstances had forced him onto the streets.
What he told me left me deeply shaken. The boy said that he longed to go to school and receive an education, but his dream remained far beyond his reach. He explained that he had been taken in by a man as a toddler and his kidnapper compelled him to beg instead of attending school. His story reflected the plight of countless out-of-school children who are trapped in poverty, child labour and exploitation. His words made me realise how widespread this problem has become. Child begging and child labour remain among the most disturbing social issues in Pakistan. Rather than declining, these practices continue to affect thousands of children, depriving them of their childhood, education and dignity. The consequences are severe, not only for the children themselves but also for society as a whole.
The situation in Balochistan is particularly alarming. Despite being Pakistan’s largest province by area and rich in natural resources, it continues to face serious challenges in education and child welfare. Across the province, children can be seen collecting rubbish at dumpsites, working in workshops, selling small items on the streets or begging in busy marketplaces. Many of them wear worn-out clothes and appear malnourished. Some even bear visible signs of neglect or physical abuse.
Such treatment is not only immoral but also illegal. Section 328-A of the Pakistan Penal Code, titled “Cruelty to a Child”, prohibits the mistreatment of children under the age of 18. The law provides penalties for those who inflict physical harm upon a child. Unfortunately, despite the existence of legal protections, implementation remains weak and many violations go unpunished.
Similarly, Article 11 of the Constitution of Pakistan prohibits all forms of forced labour and restricts the employment of young children. Yet underage children continue to work in construction, mining, waste collection, garages and other hazardous occupations. This gap between law and reality raises serious concerns about the protection of children’s rights.
The education crisis further compounds the problem. According to UNICEF, approximately 3.5 million children in Balochistan are out of school, representing one of the highest rates of educational exclusion in the country. Many of these children are forced into labour or spend their days on the streets instead of in classrooms.
The government and relevant authorities must treat this issue as a priority. While building more schools is important, equal attention must be given to ensuring that children who belong to poor families can actually attend them. Financial assistance programmes, school meal schemes, awareness campaigns and incentives for poor families could help increase enrolment and reduce child labour.
Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow and dream. Unless meaningful action is taken, thousands of children will remain trapped in a cycle of poverty and exploitation. After all, what is the purpose of constructing schools if the children who need them most are unable to enter their doors?
