Islamabad,(Parliament Times): International leaders have commended the Government of Punjab for its institutional reforms aimed at eradicating forced labor and promoting sustainable industrial modernization.
Mr. Mike Bercley, Chief Executive Officer of Families Set Free (FSF), and Mr. Grant Webster, Managing Director of Christian Economic Forum (CEF), praised the Government of Punjab and the Government of Pakistan for undertaking significant reforms to eliminate forced labor and modernize the brick kiln sector in line with international labor, environmental, and governance standards.
Mr. Bercley stated,
“The Government of Punjab has demonstrated clear political will in addressing a complex and long-standing issue. The establishment of a formal governance framework to eradicate forced child labor marks a decisive shift from fragmented interventions toward coordinated and systemic reform.”
A central component of this initiative is the formation of a 15-member Provincial Steering Committee for the Elimination of Forced Child Labor, chaired by Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb. As the first provincial government to institutionalize oversight, coordination, and accountability through a cross-sectoral strategy, Punjab has implemented an integrated approach to addressing exploitation in the brick kiln industry and other high-risk sectors.
Mr. Bercley further added,
“The enactment of the Punjab Labour Code 2026 represents a long-awaited modernization of the province’s labor governance framework. It aligns economic growth with robust worker protections, sustainability priorities, and the rule of law, reinforcing long-term reform and structural accountability.”
Mr. Webster remarked,
“The coherence between legislation, administrative coordination, and implementation mechanisms is credible and encouraging. During our two-week visit to Pakistan, which included more than 20 CEF members, we held meetings at the Prime Minister’s Office, the National Assembly, and the Punjab Assembly. These consultations provided meaningful insights into regulatory commitments concerning mechanization, labor protections, and environmental compliance. The province’s response was marked by professionalism, transparency, and seriousness of purpose.”
Mr. Øystein Selbekk, Member of the CEF delegation and CEO of Selbekk Invest AS, stated,
“The establishment of the Steering Committee to eliminate forced child labor is a decisive and commendable institutional step. From our arrival in Lahore to departure from Islamabad, we consistently experienced professionalism, transparency, and constructive engagement within public institutions—qualities essential for building sustained international confidence and durable reform.”
Confidence in these reforms has also grown internationally. The Congressional Pakistan Caucus, co-chaired by Congressman Tom Suozzi and Congressman Jack Bergman, has played an important catalytic role in the fight against forced labor. Over the past year, their leadership and sustained engagement have contributed to measurable progress in Pakistan. In November 2026, the Caucus Co-Chairs issued a formal letter commending Punjab’s advancements in eliminating forced labor and advancing responsible industrial modernization.
In February 2026, the Caucus received official correspondence from Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb (Chair), Mohsin Shah Nawaz Ranjha (Co-Chair), and Speaker of the Punjab Assembly Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, outlining continued implementation progress. In response, Congressman Suozzi described the developments as “worthy of celebration” and reaffirmed support for sustained cooperation between the United States and Pakistan, emphasizing partnerships with American business and nonprofit sectors to promote ethical supply chains, responsible investment, and long-term social impact. He noted that the struggle to free families trapped in forced labor is not merely a policy priority, but a moral obligation and a legacy to be proud of.
Collectively, these developments position Punjab’s reform journey as an emerging benchmark for responsible governance, ethical industrial modernization, and sustainable public–private collaboration.
The joint statement reaffirmed the commitment to continued high-level dialogue, principled international partnerships, and cross-sector cooperation to ensure the permanent eradication of forced labor and to promote inclusive, environmentally responsible, and values-based economic growth in Pakistan.