Celebrities speak out against child labour

ISLAMABAD: Pakistani celebrities are coming together to strongly condemn the issue of child labour following a maid Rizwana was brutally tortured by wife of sessions judge in Islamabad.

According to The Express Tribune, popular actress Mahira Khan has taken a firm stance against child labor, considering it illegal and unethical with grave repercussions for the nation’s future.

Khan took to her Instagram to share a video with the netizens, in which she requested individuals from all walks of life to understand the gravity of the issue and bring it to an end.

In her social media post, the Raees actress extended her appeal to the privileged echelons of the society.

“Child labor is against the law,” the star emphasised. “It is morally wrong and unethical. For the love of these young children and for the prospects of our nation, it is crucial to comprehend this and put an end to it. This message isn’t directed at the desperate parents who are compelled to send their children to work. No parent wishes for their child to toil at an age meant for learning and playing. Strangely, such incidents as Rizwana’s predominantly occur within educated and influential households. Why?”

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The international star continued by adding: “Perhaps because they assume they can secure bail effortlessly. There seems to be an absence of accountability. So, my appeal extends to individuals like myself and you, to those who wield power and possess platforms, those fortunate enough not to force their children into begging or into unfamiliar houses where, God forbid, they might face abuse or torment. Thus, my call is for all of us to speak up, for legislators to provide ample measures to prevent child labor. And most importantly, when cases akin to Rizwana’s emerge, accountability must prevail.”

Meanwhile, the Tere Bin famed actor Wahaj Ali also spoke up againt child labour. He said, “Subjecting children to work, enslaving them at home, subjecting them to pain and cruelty is agonizing and unjust,”.

“I fully understand that our circumstances make survival an immense struggle, compelling many to send fragments of their hearts to others’ homes for employment. But this should not lead to exploiting their vulnerability,” Ali added.

The media reports said that Ali suggested that children could be assisted in numerous other ways. He said that employing children was equivalent to robbing them of their childhood.

“A crime that should not be pardoned. Hence, if you witness such cruelty around you, whether against humans or animals, take decisive action. We collectively need to mend our society; we possess the means. Please contemplate this and raise your voice.” the actor added.

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Hamza Ali Abbasi, also raised his voice regarding the issue and said that a combined effort was required to eradicate the normalisation of child labour.

“I concede that we are an impoverished country and society; for destitute families, these children represent a source of income. However, even with this understanding, even considering our limited resources, it remains disconcerting that these children shoulder the burden of poverty, robbing them of their childhood. Let’s not resign ourselves to accepting this as our reality.” the Maula Jatt actor said.

Earlier, actress and social worker Nadia Jamil had spoken about up about the issue following a maid was tortured brutally by the wife of a sessions judge in Islamabad.

The 14-year-old domestic worker, Rizwana, had been working as a maid at the house of Sessions Judge Chaudhry Asim Hafeez for some time.

She had been subjected to brutal violence by the judge’s wife, who has obtained protective bail from the Lahore High Court until August 1.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, taking notice of the incident, has directed the authorities to ensure justice for the victim.