Senate passes bill banning child labour

ISLAMABAD – The Senate on Monday passed a landmark bill aimed at banning child labour across the country.

The legislation, introduced by Senator Fouzia Arshad, prohibits the employment of boys under 14 years of age. It further stipulates that boys aged 14 and above cannot be assigned hazardous or harmful work.

Under the bill, children over 14 are allowed to work only a maximum of three hours a day, and their employment must not interfere with education. Work between 7 p.m. and 8 a.m. has also been strictly prohibited.

The bill carries tough penalties for violations:

Employing a child under 14 years can result in six months’ imprisonment and a fine of Rs50,000.

Hiring a child for harmful work is punishable by up to three years in prison and a fine of Rs100,000.

Using a child for slavery, forced labour, or armed conflicts carries a fine of Rs1 million and three years’ imprisonment.

Exploiting a child in pornography or for drug-related activities also carries a Rs1 million fine and up to three years in prison.

The bill is being hailed as a significant step toward protecting children’s rights and ensuring access to education, though rights groups say its effective enforcement will be key to meaningful change.