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Voice of the People

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Articles and letters may be edited for the purposes of clarity and space.

 

Exploitation cycle

Child labour remains a grave issue in Pakistan. According to Pakistan’s first National Child Labour Survey (1996), approximately 3.3 million children are trapped in this cycle of exploitation. These children are forced to work in domestic labour, brick kilns, carpet weaving, agriculture and even begging, depriving them of their fundamental rights to education, health, and a safe childhood. This exploitation perpetuates a devastating cycle of poverty and illiteracy, hindering the nation’s socio-economic growth.

Many of these children endure severe physical and sexual abuse in workplaces, resulting in long-term psychological and emotional scars. Physical abuse, such as beating and overwork, harms their developing bodies, while sexual exploitation leaves them traumatized, often silenced by threats and shame. These experiences severely impact their mental health, leading to anxiety, depressiona, low self-esteem, and the loss of their basic human dignity.

Addressing this crisis demands the serious attention of concerned authorities. The government must first enforce existing child labour laws with stricter penalties for violations. Public awareness campaigns can highlight the importance of education and the detrimental consequences of child labour. NGOs and international organizations should collaborate to provide free education and vocational training, offering these children a pathway out of poverty. Lastly, counseling and rehabilitation programs are crucial to help child labour survivors reintegrate into society with dignity and confidence.

ZUNAIRA ZAFAR

Sohawa

Mental health of adolescents

Adolescence, spanning the ages of 10 to 19, is a critical period for developing social and emotional habits that form the foundation for lifelong mental well-being. Unfortunately, this age group is increasingly vulnerable to mental health issues, including depression, anxiety and behavioral disorders. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), a staggering 14% of adolescents—one in seven—experience mental health problems. Compared to past decades, depression rates among adults have risen significantly. This raises a critical question: what factors are driving this alarming trend in adolescent mental health?

The digital age has undoubtedly contributed to the surge in mental health issues. Excessive use of mobile phones and social media are major culprits, fuelling depression and anxiety among adolescents. The shift from physical interactions to online engagement has led to unhealthy comparisons and distorted self-images, ultimately culminating in mental health disorders. The consequences are dire: suicide rates among teenagers have risen alarmingly. It is imperative that parents, teachers, and governments take immediate action to prevent such tragedies.

Parents must prioritize quality time with their children, engaging in open conversations about mental health and well-being. Schools should implement policies banning mobile phones during school hours, promoting a healthier learning environment. Furthermore, governments can enact legislation to regulate children’s exposure to digital media, ensuring a safer online ecosystem.

MUZAMIL KALHOR

Nasirabad, Sindh

Corporate social responsibility

Picture a child growing up near a polluted river, unable to access clean water or envision a brighter future—this is the reality for many in Pakistan, where CSR can transform despair into hope, can provide practical solutions to the challenges experienced by marginalized people and the pressing environmental issues. Companies operating within our borders must recognize their responsibility to invest in humanity and actively contribute to the welfare of society.

Ethical business practices and philanthropy are central components in this transformation. Regrettably, fair wages remain elusive for millions of Pakistani workers; with industries in many instances exploit labour to cut costs. For example, the garment and textile sector—Pakistan’s largest export industry—has faced international criticism for unfair labour practices. Ensuring equitable wages and safe working conditions could uplift thousands of families and strengthen our economy through advancing the quality of productivity and morale among workers.

The environmental cost of corporate negligence is evenly problematic. Pakistan ranks among the most vulnerable countries to climate change. In spite of this, industries are unabated in their river pollution, deplete natural resources and emit harmful greenhouse gases. The 2022 floods, worsened by climate change, disastrously impacted millions of lives. Businesses like Tetra Pak Pakistan, which focuses on sustainable packaging and renewable energy, offer an example of how industries can innovate while reducing their environmental impact.

SHAHJAHAN MEMON

Islamabad

 

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