Pakistan's Battle Against Bonded Labor Exploitation

Bonded labor, a form of forced labor prevalent in Pakistan, is considered one of the most severe types of exploitation and modern slavery. In this system, individuals are given loans or advances by employers, landlords, or creditors and are then forced to work for them to repay the debt. These bonded laborers often receive wages below the official government rate and have a portion of their earnings withheld to cover the debt, leading to a cycle of debt that traps not only the laborer but also their entire family.

Children are particularly vulnerable to bonded labor, with over 70% of bonded laborers in Pakistan being minors. This widespread issue affects millions of individuals across various sectors such as brick kilns, agriculture, domestic work, fisheries, and mining.

Sectors like brick kilns, agriculture, and domestic work are notorious for exploiting bonded laborers, especially from minority communities. In brick kilns, laborers receive meager wages with a significant portion withheld for debt repayment. Similarly, in agriculture, landlords manipulate records to keep laborers in perpetual debt bondage.

Despite government efforts through legislation like the Bonded Labor System Abolition Acts and Prohibition of Employment of Children Acts, there is a lack of consistency in defining and addressing bonded labor, leading to enforcement challenges.

To combat this pervasive exploitation effectively, there is a need to consolidate and strengthen existing laws on bonded labor while enhancing the capacity of law enforcement agencies. It is crucial to ensure that bonded laborers are recognized as victims deserving of protection.

Bonded labor remains a significant issue in Pakistan, particularly affecting vulnerable populations like children and minority communities. By improving the coordination and clarity of laws addressing forced labor, the country can make strides in eradicating this form of exploitation and ensuring the protection of bonded laborers.