ILO official calls for coordinated action to improve child protection measures

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 12th Jun, 2026) Senior Programme Officer, ILO Pakistan Office, Syed Saghir Bukhari, on Friday, underscored the importance of awareness, enforcement, and collective action to support child protection and education initiatives in Pakistan.

Talking to a private news channel, an ILO official stressed stronger action on education, decent employment, social protection, accurate data collection and responsible business practices to tackle the root causes of

child labour.

He said that undocumented and out-of-school children remain a major challenge despite ongoing data collection efforts by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), adding that gaps in identification and registration continue to hinder effective interventions.

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He called for strengthened social protection for poor families and responsible practices by employers to help eliminate the root causes of child labour.

Responding to a query, he said that clear age limits must be enforced, stressing that children below the minimum working age should not be allowed to work, while legal provisions should strictly regulate employment only within the defined age bracket of 13 to 15 years.

He stressed the importance of shifting societal attitudes, strengthening awareness, and building a stronger sense of responsibility to protect children.

He concluded that only through joint action and sustained commitment can child protection and education goals be fully achieved.