Bonded Labour

What is Bonded Labour?

Bonded labour, also known as debt bondage, is a form of modern slavery where workers are trapped in a cycle of debt. In Pakistan, this primarily affects workers in brick kilns, agriculture, and other informal sectors. Workers take advances (peshgi) from employers and become bound to work indefinitely until the debt is repaid—a condition that often spans generations.

The Reality of Bonded Labour in Pakistan

Against the backdrop of pervasive atrocities on bonded labourers—mostly migrants in the brick kiln industry—by feudal lords, owners, and their middlemen, bonded labour represents a true picture of the law of the jungle. Workers face:

• Forced labour without fair compensation
• Physical and psychological abuse
• Denial of basic human rights
• Exploitation of entire families, including children
• No access to education or healthcare
• Perpetual debt cycles passed through generations

Legal Framework

The Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act 1992 and its Rules 1995 legally abolished bonded labour in Pakistan. However, implementation remains a significant challenge. BLLF works tirelessly to ensure these laws are enforced and bonded labourers are freed and rehabilitated.

BLLF's Multi-Dimensional Strategy

Since its establishment, BLLF has adopted a comprehensive approach to combat bonded labour:

Provincial Committee for Abolition of Bonded Labour

After extensive struggle, BLLF successfully influenced the provincial government to establish a special committee at the provincial level for eradication of bonded labour in Punjab. BLLF is a member of this committee, which is chaired by the Minister of Labour and Human Resource Punjab.

Anti-Bonded Labour Cell

BLLF established a special Anti-Bonded Labour Cell at the office of the District Labour Officer, Lahore, in collaboration with the District Government and Labour Department. A toll-free telephone line 0800.15151 is dedicated to the Cell for registering and addressing complaints.