Facts About Bonded Labour in Pakistan

Accurate information is crucial in the fight against bonded labour. Here are verified facts about the situation in Pakistan and BLLF's work.

BLLF: 35 Years of Verified Impact

Established 1990

BLLF was formally registered in 1990, building on grassroots work that began in 1967 as Bhatta Mazdoor Mahaz.

8,500+ Workers Organized

BLLF has directly organized and supported over 8,500 workers through community groups and trade unions.

18 Trade Unions

BLLF has established 18 registered trade unions, including 14 with Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA).

Legal Recognition

Registered under Voluntary Social Welfare Agencies Registration and Control Ordinance 1961 (XLVI of 1961).

Legal Framework: Verified Facts

  • Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act 1992: Legally abolished bonded labour in Pakistan
  • Rules 1995: Established implementation procedures for the 1992 Act
  • Provincial Committee: Established in Punjab for monitoring and eradication efforts
  • District Vigilance Committees: Local-level monitoring bodies across Punjab
  • Anti-Bonded Labour Cell: Special cell at District Labour Officer Lahore with toll-free number 0800.15151

Common Misconceptions Addressed

Myth: Bonded labour no longer exists in Pakistan

Fact: Despite the 1992 Act, bonded labour continues to exist, particularly in brick kilns, agriculture, and informal sectors. BLLF continues to identify and free bonded labourers regularly.

Myth: Workers can simply leave if they want to

Fact: Bonded labourers are trapped through debt cycles, threats, violence, and lack of alternatives. Many families have been in bondage for generations.

Myth: This is just an employment issue

Fact: Bonded labour is a form of modern slavery involving human rights violations, exploitation, and denial of basic freedoms.

BLLF's Documented Achievements

  • 1990: Formal establishment and registration
  • 1992: Contributed to passage of Bonded Labour Abolition Act
  • 2000s: Established first trade unions in brick kiln sector
  • 2010s: Created Anti-Bonded Labour Cell with government partnership
  • 2015: Trained 550 Anti-Slavery Guards (Rakhwalay)
  • 2016: Became member of Clinton Global Initiative
  • Present: Operating 18 trade unions with 8,500+ organized workers

International Recognition

BLLF's work has been recognized by:

Transparency and Accountability

BLLF maintains transparency through:

  • Regular financial audits and annual reports
  • Democratic governance through elected General Body (15 members)
  • Executive Committee oversight
  • Public reporting of activities and impact
  • Collaboration with government monitoring bodies

Verify Information

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Stakeholder Verification

BLLF works with verified stakeholders including:

  • Government: Labour Department Punjab, District Governments
  • Judiciary: Supreme Court of Pakistan, High Courts
  • Civil Society: HRCP, PILER, National Coalition Against Bonded Labour
  • International: ILO, FES, Trocaire, Action Aid/EU
  • Employers: Brick Kiln Owners Association