Child Labour in Pakistan: The Gap between International Legal Commitments vs Ground Reality

Abstract

This paper examines the gap between legal commitments and practical realities in child labour protection under the International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, with special reference to Pakistan. This article critically examines Pakistan's international obligations and domestic legal framework concerning child labour and evaluates the extent to which these commitments are reflected in ground realities. It explores the socio-economic, institutional, and governance factors that contribute to the continued prevalence of child labour, including poverty, lack of educational opportunities, weak law enforcement mechanisms, and inadequate monitoring systems. The article further analyzes relevant judicial decisions, legislative developments, and policy initiatives aimed at combating child labour. Using a qualitative, comparative, and analytical approach that’s evaluates Pakistan’s constitutional provisions, labour laws, and policy measures against international standards. The analysis reveals that although Pakistan has formally aligned many of its laws with ILO obligations, serious implementation gaps remain. Weak enforcement mechanisms, poverty, limited access to education, institutional inefficiency, and the dominance of the informal economy continue to sustain child labour practices. The study further argues that international legal frameworks provide strong normative guidance but lack effective enforcement capacity, making compliance dependent on domestic political commitment and governance structures. It concludes that eliminating child labour in Pakistan requires integrated reforms in law enforcement, education, poverty reduction, and social protection policies.