Published in June 2026 by UNICEF and the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) Pakistan, this synthesis report consolidates the findings of household-based Child Labour Surveys (CLS) conducted across Pakistan’s four provinces and the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) between 2019 and 2024. Utilizing the internationally recognized SIMPOC methodology on a combined sample of nearly 200,000 households and over 500,000 children aged 5–17, the report estimates that approximately 9.77 million children are working in Pakistan,
Child Rights in Focus
KARACHI: The Sindh High Court has dismissed a bail application of an accused in a case pertaining to rape of his minor daughter. A single-judge bench of the SHC headed by Justice Omar Sial observed that around 10-year-old victim had appeared at the trial, narrated the ordeal and her testimony carried an air of authenticity and did not appear to be tutored or coached in any manner. The applicant has been charged with allegedly
TOBA TEK SINGH: Three minor girls drowned when their mother allegedly tried to die by suicide along with her daughters by jumping into the river Jhelum in Jhang district on June 20. Rescue 1122 officials said that Tahira Yasmin of Mouza Chatta jumped into the river Jhelum near Mariwala Pattan on Sargodha Road along with her daughters Sanam (10), Sadaf (7) and Mariyam (3). Locals rescued the woman but they could not rescue the
KARACHI: Sharing serious concern over the increasing number of HIV cases in the country, particularly in Sindh and Punjab, speakers at a seminar held on June 20 called upon the government to increase domestic financing for HIV prevention, testing, treatment and care services to reduce dependence on external donors and ensure sustainability of the national HIV response. They also emphasised the need for enforcing infection control protocols in healthcare settings and scaling up HIV
ISLAMABAD: The Capital Development Authority (CDA) and Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) have made the birth and death registration system in Islamabad online. As a result, citizens can now register births and deaths and obtain certificates from their homes without visiting the MCI and union council offices. Chief Commissioner Islamabad and CDA Chairman Sohail Ashraf inaugurated the facility. During a briefing on the occasion, officials said the service was being provided on the Pak ID
Pakistan is confronting a serious but largely overlooked public health challenge, with thousands of children born every year with cleft lips and palates. Although the condition is treatable, many patients remain without timely care due to gaps in the healthcare system. Experts estimate that nearly 300,000 children are affected nationwide, placing Pakistan among the highest-burden countries globally after China, India, and Indonesia. From Karachi to Lahore and Peshawar, parents, surgeons, and healthcare workers describe
RAWALPINDI: The body of a seven-year-old who had been missing after falling into an open sewage drain and being swept away in the Westridge area on June 17 was discovered floating on the water surface of Leh Nullah, Gawal Mandi about some seven kilometers from his home, on the afternoon of June 19. He was Muhammad Farooq, a resident of Gawal Mandi, who called 15 emergency and Rescue 1122 after his brother spotted the body floating
ISLAMABAD: More than 8.6 million children in Pakistan are engaged in child labour, including over 6.6 million involved in hazardous work that threatens their health, safety and development, according to a national report launched on Thursday by the National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) in collaboration with UNICEF. Titled ‘Pakistan: Child Labour Surveys, Evidence for Action’, the report provides the first nationally representative child labour dataset in nearly three decades, offering a comprehensive assessment
LAHORE: Speakers at a symposium here have highlighted the shortcomings in the education system in the country that are creating hurdles to religious freedom and equality. The symposium on “advancing religious freedom through education and exploring the emerging challenges, opportunities, and responses” was held at the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) on June 18. Veteran educationist Neelam Hussain said when she grew up and was in school, there were no stark differences among
BANNU: The district administration and health department have launched a joint investigation into the “mysterious” deaths of five children of a family in Takhtikhel area of Bakakhel tehsil here. The children had died at their house three weeks ago, while three others reported serious health issues. On the directives of Bannu deputy commissioner Mohammad Faheem, district health officer Dr Zafar Iqbal Wazir has constituted a special medical board, comprising senior physicians, to examine all
BAHAWALPUR: The Bahawal Victoria Hospital (BVH) administration has suspended five doctors from service for their alleged negligence, after an arm of a newborn was allegedly fractured during delivery at the hospital. According to BVH administration’s announcement, the action has been taken against the five medics when a newborn’s arm was found fractured following the delivery at the hospital. Those suspended from service include three women doctors, a senior registrar and two post-graduate trainees. The
KARACHI: The Sindh government has earmarked more than Rs148 billion for hospitals, specialised medical institutions and emergency health services in the 2026-27 budget. The funding package focuses on expanding access to quality treatment, upgrading critical care facilities and enhancing emergency response systems amid growing healthcare demands across the province. According to budget documents, grants totaling Rs148.17 billion have been allocated to major healthcare institutions and medical centres. The budget of the Sindh Institute of