Child Labour in Pakistan - A tip of an iceberg

ABSTRACT

To study the basic demographic characteristics of child laborers and to ascertain their working conditions. This cross sectional study was conducted in district Rawalpindi from January to September 2008 and 700 children between 4 - 18 years were enrolled after taking informed consent from both children and their masters. Information on demography and work details was recorded on a structured performa. Total 700 children 4-18 years old with mean age of 13.5 years were enrolled. Male Female ratio was 5.41. Most of the children [401] had a family size of 5-8 members. In 634 cases, 1-4 family members were earning while 05 had 10-12 earning members. Only 479 [68%] children ever attended school, mostly [291, 42%] till primary level. 258 children's families had monthly income of more than PKR 8000, 210PKR 6000-8000, 167 PKR 4000-5000 and 63 families were earning less than PKR 3000/ month. Mostly [270] worked in shops. Reason of work was low family income in 222 and poverty in 207 children. 283 children worked for 7-10 hours per day, 216 for 07 days, 115 for 4-6 hours, 45 for more than 12 hours and 39 for 1-3 hours. Maximum monthly pay was 1000- 2000 rupees in 187 and minimum 500 rupees per month in 106 children. 284 cases sustained injury while at work. Most child labourers are male with a family size of 5-8 members, never attended any school and living in a family whose monthly income is less than 8000 Pakistani Ruppee. The major reason of work was low family income and poverty