Situation analysis of child labour in Karachi, Pakistan: A qualitative study

Asaad Ahmed Nafees, Kausar Saeed Khan, Zafar Fatmi, Mubashir Aslam

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

6 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In Karachi, large employment opportunities, burgeoning population and the availability of cheap labour might be the contributing factors for the increasing prevalence of child labour. A literature review was conducted in 2007 that included published and unpublished literature since 2000. Various organizations working in the field were also covered, while the perception of the child labourers was covered through three focus group discussions. Common health issues among the child labourers in Karachi included respiratory illnesses, fever and generalised pains, as well as drug and sexual abuse. Organisations working for child labour could be broadly categorised into those working for legal advice and advocacy; those generating statistics; and those that are providing interventions. Discussion with children showed that irrespective of the immediate cause, the underlying determinant for child labour was poverty. The best practices identified included evening schools and drop-in centers for working children with provision for skill-based education and basic health facilities. There is need to have more such centres.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1075-1082
Number of pages8
JournalJournal of the Pakistan Medical Association
Volume62
Issue number10
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2012

Keywords

  • Best practices
  • Child health
  • Child labour
  • Karachi
  • Pakistan
  • Situation analysis

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