Abstract

This study investigates the prevalence and correlates of child labour in the tribal
districts.The tribal districts that now encompass the FATA region share many socioeconomic
characteristics. Moreover, the FATA region was recently affected by a large scale
conflict that resulted in large numbers of its inhabitants getting killed, as well as
destruction of public and private infrastructure and loss of livelihoods. This also resulted in
limiting access to the region. Keeping this in consideration a sample size of 427 children
was selected in tribal district Mohmand, which was generalized for the whole of FATA
region.Results showed that combining school with work is the most preferred activity for
children. Similarly, Child schooling was second-most and full-time child labour was the
third-most preferred activity for children in the study area. It was found that an increase in
child age increases the child's chances of getting engaged in labour activities. Gender of
children also determines their labor status.Results indicate that households prefer
schooling alongside child labour for their male children and idle status for their female
children. The government can address issue of child labour through transfer payment
schemes, providing job opportunities and financing business programs.

Key words: Child Labour, Child Schooling, Tribal districts, District Mohmand