Christian Family Freed From Forced Labor in Pakistan Faces Threats

A Christian family of nine has been released from a brick kiln near Lahore, Pakistan, following 11 years of alleged forced labor. The Masih family reports that they were subjected to physical abuse, threats of violence, and systemic wage exploitation during their time at the facility. Family members allege that kiln operators used debt-based coercion to keep them trapped, a practice human rights advocates frequently identify as modern-day slavery.

Babar Masih stated that the family received daily wages of approximately 800 to 1,000 Pakistani rupees, significantly lower than the legal minimum of 2,200 rupees. Despite years of labor, the family claims their debt to the kiln owners continued to increase rather than decrease. Legal representatives assisting the family noted that the initial debt of 416,000 rupees remained unresolved despite ongoing wage deductions. Following their court-ordered release, the family reports they are now living in fear of retaliation from their former employers.