ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Qamar Zaman Kaira has expressed government’s resolve to eliminate the illegal practice of bonded labor from the country, and take appropriate steps, on emergent basis, for nabbing the persons involved in this cruel and inhuman act.

He said that bonded labor was a grave violation of basic human rights and that this social vice was neither permissible under the Constitution of Pakistan nor under any law in force anywhere in the world, yet some people, who were not familiar with the teachings of Islam or are devoid of human kindness, indulged in this cruel practice.

The Information Minister was addressing a workshop on the Role of the Parliamentarians in the Eradication of Bonded Labor from Pakistan which was organised by the International Labor Organization to highlight the social hazards of the scourge of bonded labor.

He said, one cannot deny the fact that hundreds of thousands of people were deprived of their fundamental rights in Pakistan. However, aware of its responsibility in this regard, the present government is determined to redeem the basic rights and liberties of bonded labor on an emergent basis.

Hameedullah Jan Afridi said that the Constitution of Pakistan recognised the right of freedom of every individual to enter into any licit vocation, business and trade.

He said the constitution guaranteed freedom, basic rights and justice to every citizens whereas under the 1992 Act bonded labor was prohibited in any form and shape. Therefore, people who engage the poor in bonded labor deserved to be punished.

In collaboration with the law enforcement agencies, he said, the government is playing a leading role to curb the scourge of bonded labor. He emphasized on the role of parliamentarians to highlight this issue in the parliament.

ILO's National Project Coordinator, Mian Muhammad Benyameen highlighted ILO’s efforts for the redemption of liberty and basic rights of the victims of bonded labor. He said that ILO enjoyed full support and backing of the government in this task.

Observing that much yet remained to be accomplished; he highlighted the need for taking necessary steps, on priority basis, in this regard.

The meeting was also attended by MNA Munir Aurkzai, Tasneem Saddiquie, Anjum Aqeel Khan, Barrister Zafarullah Khan and senior research officer, ministry of labor.—PPI