News Desk
Lahore / Washington, DC / London:
International advocacy and business leaders have formally recognized the Government of Punjab’s recent institutional reforms aimed at eliminating bonded labor and modernizing the brick kiln sector in line with global labor and environmental standards, states the press release
Mike Brickley, Chief Executive Officer of Families Set Free (FSF), and Grant Webster, Managing Director of the Christian Economic Forum (CEF), issued a joint statement commending both the Government of Punjab and the Government of Pakistan for what they described as substantive structural reforms targeting bonded child labor and industrial governance.
Brickley stated that the provincial government had demonstrated “clear political resolve” in addressing what he termed a complex and long-standing issue. He highlighted the establishment of a formal governance framework to eliminate bonded child labor as a shift from fragmented responses toward coordinated, system-level reform.
Steering Committee Formed:
A key element of the reform effort is the formation of a 15-member Provincial Steering Committee to Eradicate Bonded Child Labor, chaired by Senior Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb. According to the statement, Punjab is the first province to implement an integrated cross-sector strategy specifically targeting exploitation in brick kilns and other high-risk industries. The committee is tasked with institutionalizing oversight, coordination, and accountability mechanisms within the province’s reform structure.
Brickley further referenced the introduction of the Punjab Labour Code 2026, describing it as a long-awaited modernization of the province’s labor governance framework. He said the legislation aligns economic development with strengthened worker protections, sustainability priorities, and rule-of-law principles.
Grant Webster noted that a delegation of more than 20 CEF members conducted a two-week visit to Pakistan, during which meetings were held at the Prime Minister’s Office, the National Assembly, and the Punjab Assembly. Webster stated that discussions focused on regulatory commitments supporting mechanization of brick kilns, enhanced labor protections, and environmental compliance.
He described the engagement with government institutions as professional and transparent, adding that the alignment between legislative direction and administrative implementation was “credible and encouraging.”
Oystein K. Selbekk, Chief Executive Officer of Selbekk Invest AS and a member of the CEF delegation, also commented on the visit. He said the delegation experienced consistent professionalism and constructive engagement from Lahore to Islamabad, describing these qualities as essential for building international confidence and sustaining reform efforts.
The reforms have also drawn attention from the Congressional Pakistan Caucus in the United States. The caucus is co-chaired by Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY03) and Congressman Jack Bergman (MI01).
According to the joint statement, the caucus has played a role in advocating against bonded labor in Pakistan. In November 2026, the co-chairs issued a formal letter acknowledging Punjab’s reported progress in eliminating bonded labor and advancing responsible industrial modernization.
Earlier, in February 2026, official communications were sent to the caucus by Marriyum Aurangzeb; Mohsin Shanawaz Ranjha, Co-Chair of the provincial committee; and Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, outlining implementation measures undertaken by the provincial government.
In response, Congressman Suozzi described the developments as “something to celebrate” and reaffirmed support for sustained U.S.–Pakistan engagement. He emphasized collaboration with American businesses and nonprofit organizations to promote ethical supply chains, responsible investment, and long-term social impact.
The joint statement concluded that Punjab’s reform pathway could serve as an emerging benchmark for responsible governance and ethical industrial modernization. It reaffirmed continued support for high-level dialogue and international partnership aimed at permanently eradicating bonded labor while promoting inclusive and environmentally responsible economic growth in Pakistan.