Dark side of Pakistan's bangle industry

[RayKalm]

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[Thəorətic Muslim]

^ These children are 1000 times better than other children in Pakistan and also the world. who have become spoiled.

They know the hard work involved in earning some money. The child who said "I give all my money to my parents" was quite bitterly touching. I would actually encourage if the Pakistani government demanded that children work for 1 year in some sort of labour industry, would teach them alot more about how important education is.

I myself worked at my Father's Automotive workshop since the 5th grade and still continue, in my 3rd year of University. Some times we would leave at 7 in the morning and come back 2 in the morning next day. ALL the mainat, aqal and tahmeez I have learned is thanks to him. Many people joke that I appear weak, my only reply is that they dont know the endurance and punishment I can take.

[RayKalm]

^ You make some very good points.

Though, I do believe that those who are forced into such labour activities should be given an increase in pay: but then a lot of questions appear in front of you.

Like, our weak economy of only 500 billion, how will we feed a population of almost 200 Million people? Add to that our spending on military and what not.

[Thəorətic Muslim]

^ Are you including the Black Market trade?

It is through the exploitation of these Honorable Men & Women (the Children), that Pakistan is able to support itself. This contemporay slavery allows for these banglas to be sold at just cheap prices. If one child is not willing to work for just cheap wage, there are thousands of more children who will.

Would you buy a bangle for a couple rupees or buy at a rate that the labour can actually support at least him/herself? 20 rupees or 50 rupees? The blame also belongs with us, who are willing to allow the exploitation of children. The people who employ them aren't poor, they'remiddle class. They have their children educated in private schools. They have a moral obligation to at least help their child workers with some education. I'm not saying that its right to make children work in horrendous conditions, i'm just saying the background of the issue also has to be analyzed. I believe that Children themselves have a responsibility to their parents to help with the finances.

I remember reading an article, some years back, about a Pakistani who bought some english books for a child newspaper seller, and some 15 years later that child emailed him back with perfect English explaining that he had taught himself English through the books that were given to him. I am sure that the children interviewed for this issue dont lack the thirst for knowledge.

I also remember, my father explaining how the child of a poor farmer could get a scholarship to study and become an engineer or doctor back in the day, now he/she will never be able to even complete the 5th grade.

All these children need is a chance to prove themselves. I wouldn't mind giving a few lose dollars to a charity that offers scholarships to education minded children. Do any of you know of just an organization?

[RayKalm]

^ True. Pakistan, and Turkey both have labour forces in the 10s of millions, and we both gain much from it.

I do not actually think of what I buy and purchase, whatever it be from a Chinese labour, a Pakistani labour or a Bengali labour, I buy whatever I buy. And yes, exploitation does happen, and very often. There's not much we as individuals could do about it, but we should force our government to do more about it.

I remember reading an article, some years back, about a Pakistani who bought some english books for a child newspaper seller, and some 15 years later that child emailed him back with perfect English explaining that he had taught himself English through the books that were given to him. I am sure that the children interviewed for this issue dont lack the thirst for knowledge.

Wow, wonderful. Those of us who are use to living in poverty, and have a low-standard of life are more likely to make use of whatever it is that they can to benefit themselves.

[joekrish]

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Sadly happens in all third world countries.