Child Labour Quetta
Child labour is common among the poorer communities of the district. According to the Labour Survey 1993-94, the total number of children working as labourers in Quetta was 1,693. This survey does not cover the children working in houses, or the ones collecting garbage. A number of Afghan refugee children can be observed collecting garbage. They are also involved in loading and unloading fruit and vegetables.
A few studies have been conducted to find out the causes of child labour.* Their common findings are that poverty, a high drop-out rate and a parent’s death are the main causes of child labour in the district. These children are mainly involved either paid or unpaid in the following occupations in the district (1) garages (2) tailors (3) electric workshops (4) mechanics (5) shoe making.