Parliament is Committed to Ending Child Exploitation and Ensuring the Right of Children to Education: Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq

Islamabad, 11 June 2026: Speaker National Assembly, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has stated that children are the nation’s most valuable asset and the foundation of a prosperous, peaceful, and progressive Pakistan. He emphasized that protecting children from exploitation and ensuring their access to education, health, and equal opportunities remains among the highest national priorities. He expressed these views in his message on the occasion of the World Day Against Child Labour, observed annually on 12 June across the globe.

Speaker Sardar Ayaz Saidq said that child labour continues to deprive millions of children of their childhood, education, and opportunities for growth and development. He stressed that every child has the fundamental right to grow up in a safe, healthy, and enabling environment, free from all forms of exploitation and abuse.

Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq highlighted that the Constitution of Pakistan provides clear guarantees for the protection of children’s rights. He noted that Article 11 prohibits the employment of children below the age of fourteen in factories, mines, and hazardous occupations, while Article 25-A guarantees free and compulsory education for children aged five to sixteen years. He further stated that Article 37(e) obligates the State to ensure humane working conditions and protect children from unsuitable employment.

Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq appreciated the role of the Parliamentary Caucus on Child Rights, stating that it is actively working across the country for the promotion and protection of children’s rights. He said the Caucus continues to strengthen child protection mechanisms, raise public awareness, and ensure effective implementation of relevant laws. He also lauded the Caucus for its comprehensive report on Out-of-School Children (OOSC), which identifies key causes across provinces and proposes context-specific solutions tailored to local realities.

NA Speaker further stated that the Parliament of Pakistan remains committed to strengthening child protection through effective legislation. He added that federal and provincial laws are being implemented to prevent child labour, ensure safe environments for children, and safeguard their rights in line with constitutional and international obligations.

Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq noted that poverty, limited access to education, and social inequalities are major drivers of child labour. He urged coordinated efforts by the government, civil society, educational institutions, parents, and all segments of society to ensure children are provided opportunities for education and development instead of being forced into labour. He further stated that investment in children’s education, health, and welfare is, in essence, an investment in Pakistan’s brighter future. He reiterated Parliament’s firm resolve to continue all efforts aimed at the eradication of child labour in all its forms.

Deputy Speaker National Assembly Syed Ghulam Mustafa Shah, in his message on the occasion, said that child labour remains a serious challenge to the rights and develop

ment of children. He stated that children engaged in hazardous labour are deprived of education, health, recreation, and opportunities to realize their full potential. He emphasized that every child deserves a safe and supportive environment where they can learn, grow, and become productive members of society.

NA Deputy Speaker further stressed that eliminating child labour requires collective action from the government, civil society, educational institutions, parents, and society at large. He noted that poverty, lack of educational facilities, and social inequalities are key contributing factors that must be addressed through effective policy interventions and public awareness. He reiterated the National Assembly’s commitment to safeguarding children’s rights and promoting their welfare through effective legislation.