CHILD LABOUR PATTERNS IN PAKISTAN AND ITS REGIONS/AREAS (2016–2022): EVIDENCE FROM MICS AND CHILD LABOUR SURVEYS

Abstract

This research analyses the prevalence of child labour across various regions/areas of Pakistan. Using the internationally accepted MICS indicator PR.3 (children aged 5–17 classified as child labour (CL), this research collation and maps the best available region/province/area estimates, rural and urban, and wealth gradients, along with triangulation of Child Labour Surveys (CLS), as available (Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan, KP, AJ&K, and GB. The results demonstrate extensive sub-national heterogeneity and confirm that child labour prevalence has not meaningfully changed over the last decade, with 8-17 per cent range in Pakistan, but significant sub-national disparities. Child labour estimates under  respective MICS suggest the highest prevalence in Pakistan (Punjab 13.4, Sindh 10.4, Baluchistan 9.1, AJ&K 8.2 and the lowest in KPK 6.4 against CLS incidence of CL in Punjab and AJ&K 16.9, Gilgit-Baltistan, 13.1 Sindh 10.3, KPK 9.0,  and the lowest in Baluchistan 3.7 but these averages mask rural vulnerabilities. All regions/provinces, particularly AJ&K, including lower socioeconomic and rural households, have a higher burden of CL. The principal sectoral areas of high risk are: Agriculture, Hotel Work, Brick Kilns, Informal Manufacturing, and Domestic Work. Awareness of methodological issues emphasises the need for caution in reporting on survey timing, coverage, and informal or seasonal labour underreporting. The aspects discussed in this paper pertain to methodological comparability issues across different MICS and CL surveys and years. The policy recommendations are aimed at the removal of barriers to rural education, provision of conditional cash transfers as a form of payment for schooling, targeted restriction of dangerous industries/industries deemed as unsafe (such as the brick kiln, debt bondage and hotel work, as well as domestic work) and proper and effective labour inspection. The results emphasize the need for evidence-based province-level policies that are geared towards fulfilling box 8.7.1 of the SDG 8.7 goals of Pakistan to eliminate Child Labour.