Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif have reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending child labour and ensuring a brighter future for every child. In their messages on World Day against Child Labour today (Thursday), they urged government institutions, civil society, and media to take practical steps to end child labour.

According to Radio Pakistan, the President called for united efforts and synergies that can help dismantle the systems that exploit children and create a Pakistan and a world where every child is free to dream, learn, and build a brighter future. He emphasized that Pakistan, as a signatory to various international conventions aimed at eliminating child labour, is fully committed to ending the exploitation of children.

The Prime Minister, in his message, emphasized the importance of the key role of the federal and provincial governments, the private sector, educational institutions, media, and civil society to prevent and completely eradicate child labour from society. He noted that this year’s theme, ‘Progress is clear, but there’s more to do: let’s speed up efforts!’ highlights that while progress has been made, much more remains to be done.

The Prime Minister underscored that children growing up in developing countries are most affected by the scourge of child labour and reiterated the government’s resolve to protect the rights and future of every child in the country.