Karachi: Society for the Protection of the Rights of the Child (SPARC) organized a one-day football tournament in Karachi to raise awareness about child labour and promote children's rights through sports and community engagement.

The tournament was held at the Aga Khan Sports Gymkhana Ground and brought together four football teams from different areas of Karachi. The event aimed to engage youth, encourage healthy recreational activities, and highlight the importance of protecting children from labour and exploitation.

Former Pakistan National Football Team Captain Mr. Saddam Hussain attended the event as the Chief Guest. Speaking on the occasion, he emphasized the importance of sports in the healthy development of children and young people.

"Sports play a vital role in promoting physical and mental well-being, teamwork, discipline, and social inclusion. Every child deserves the opportunity to learn, play, and grow in a safe environment," said Mr. Saddam Hussain. He strongly condemned all forms of child labour and called upon society, government institutions, and communities to work together to protect children from exploitation. He also appreciated SPARC's continued leadership and commitment to child protection and child rights advocacy in Pakistan.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Muhammad Farooq Malik, Project Manager SPARC, stated that the awareness football tournament was organized to educate communities about the harmful impacts of child labour and the importance of ensuring every child's right to education, protection, and development.

He further informed that SPARC is implementing an integrated community development project in Muhammadi Colony (Machar Colony), Karachi, aimed at improving the lives of vulnerable children and families through education, child protection interventions, community mobilization, and livelihood support initiatives.

"We believe sports are a powerful tool for social change. Such activities help bring communities together, promote positive engagement among youth, and provide children with healthy alternatives that contribute to their overall development," Mr. Malik said.

Child labour remains one of the most significant challenges facing Pakistan. Despite legal protections, thousands of children continue to work in hazardous and exploitative conditions across various sectors, including domestic work, workshops, agriculture, brick kilns, fisheries, street vending, and waste collection. Poverty, lack of educational opportunities, and social inequalities continue to drive many children into labour, depriving them of their fundamental rights and opportunities for a better future.

SPARC reiterated its commitment to working with communities, government institutions, civil society organizations, and development partners to eliminate child labour and ensure that every child enjoys their right to education, protection, and a dignified childhood.