Unprecedented growth in the number of working children in Mazar-e-Sharif

New statistics from the Taliban Department of Labor and Social Affairs in Balkh province show that the number of working children in Mazar-e-Sharif has increased by 70%.

Maulvi Nasir Ahmad Abu Khalid, director of labor and social affairs in Balkh province, said: “According to the statistics obtained, there are about 1,694 working children in Mazar-e-Sharif.”

Rumi Nasir Ahmad Abu Khalid added: “This study, which was ordered by the Taliban cabinet, shows that 141 of these children are begging.”

The director of labor and social affairs of Balkh province said: that the rest of these children in Mazar-e-Sharif were repairing engines, painting, garbage collection, handicrafts, and other hard jobs. After the review, in coordination with UNICEF, the necessary measures will be taken for the better future of these children.

According to Maulvi Abu Khalid, measures are being taken to prevent further harm to working children, and the Taliban are paying close attention.

It is worth mentioning that the number of working children in Balkh province was 965 last year and now it has reached 1694, which shows a 70% increase.