News Desk
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Pakistani Minorities has issued a statement on the anniversary of the murder of Iqbal Masih, a Christian boy, in 1995. Masih, who was only 12 years old at the time of his death, was a prominent activist against child labor in Pakistan. Born into poverty, Masih was forced into bonded labor at the age of four to pay off a family debt. He endured harsh working conditions, including being chained to a loom for up to 14 hours a day.
Despite his young age, Masih managed to escape and became a vocal advocate for children’s rights. He was awarded the Reebok Human Rights Award in 1994 for his activism. Tragically, Masih was shot and killed in Pakistan on April 16, 1995, said the press release
Lord Alton of Liverpool, Co-Chair of the APPG, emphasized the ongoing issue of slavery in Pakistan, stating that despite Masih’s courageous efforts, modern-day slavery persists in various forms across the country. The group recently conducted an inquiry into bonded labor, hearing testimonies from victims and survivors, including accounts of young girls being abused in brick kilns.
The upcoming report by the APPG, to be published next month, will focus on recommendations for both the Pakistani and British governments to combat modern-day slavery in Pakistan. The report will be dedicated to the memory of Iqbal Masih.
Yes Iqbal Masih remember every day in labor child.