Disturbing figures on child labour unveiled in KP survey

By: Esha Aslam

PESHAWAR: In a comprehensive report jointly compiled by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Labor Department and various aid agencies, shocking revelations about the prevalence of child labour have come to light. The study indicates that a staggering 745,000 children are engaged in various forms of employment across the province.

The survey, conducted in Peshawar, highlights that the majority of children involved in labour are found in the sectors of agriculture, forestry, and fisheries.

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This situation poses a significant challenge to authorities and underscores the urgent need for intervention to safeguard the rights and well-being of these young workers.

According to the report, the total number of children aged between 5 and 17 years in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa exceed 8.28 million. Among them, 4.39 million are boys, while 3.89 million are girls.

745,000 children are engaged in various forms of employment across the province.

The data further reveals that in Peshawar alone, 378,517 children are employed in the agriculture, forestry, and fisheries sector. Additionally, 139,865 children are engaged in water collection, 71,215 in wholesale business, and 56,742 in the manufacturing industry.

The construction sector sees the labour of 33,733 children, while 15,085 are employed in the food business. Moreover, 14,221 children work in the transport sector, and another 24,209 contribute to various other industries.

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This alarming report underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts by both government and non-governmental organisations to eradicate child labour in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The statistics demand immediate attention to ensure that the fundamental rights and future prospects of these young individuals are not compromised.