ith a rapidly growing workforce, a silent crisis is brewing in Pakistan. Forced labour and unethical recruitment practices are hindering socio-economic development.

Forced labour, as defined by the International Labour Organisation, is work done without consent and under threat. Instances of this can be seen throughout the country. Bonded labour is widespread in agriculture and brick kilns of rural Pakistan. Workers, frequently from disenfranchised demographics, are trapped in a pattern of indebtedness and compelled to work ceaselessly to settle debts. Numerous studies conducted in the country and internationally have shown that millions of people are trapped in contemporary forms of slavery. Frequently, debt bondage plays a major role in this.

Human trafficking for the purpose of exploiting labour is another grim aspect of involuntary work. Traffickers deceive people with fake job offers, then exploit them in inhuman conditions. The 2014 Protocol of the Forced Labour Convention of the ILO highlights the importance of taking action to prevent trafficking and ensure the protection of victims. However, enforcing these measures has proved difficult in Pakistan.

ILO’s recommendations for fair recruitment support transparency, ethical hiring and minimisation of recruitment charges. These principles are essential in safeguarding migrant workers from being exploited.

Migrant workers, within the country or abroad, face a higher risk of being exploited in the recruitment process. The standards for protecting migrant workers are outlined in ILO’s conventions. Still, many continue to experience exploitation. Unethical hiring practices frequently result in instances of labour exploitation, where workers incur debts to obtain jobs. The unregulated sector in Pakistan employs a large part of the workforce. People who work as domestic workers, day labourers and in other informal jobs are at greater risk of being exploited.

Forced labour undermines economic efficiency and expansion. Socially, it encourages the continuation of poverty and inequality, eroding human dignity and basic rights. There is a clear connection between forced labour and fair recruitment. Unethical recruitment strategies frequently result in forced labour, landing employees in debt bondage. Encouraging equitable hiring practices can help stop forced labour by making sure employees are knowledgeable, empowered and protected.

Dealing with these problems requires overcoming obstacles such as poor enforcement of labour regulations, exploitation and socio-economic gaps. Nevertheless, answers are close by. It is important to strengthen the legal frameworks, enhance the capacities of field officials, improve labour inspections, utilise technology and conduct awareness campaigns. It is essential to enhance the legal foundation. Pakistan has ratified several ILO conventions, and successfully translated them into national and provincial laws. Improving labour inspection systems and guaranteeing the successful enforcement of labour laws can have a major impact. Awareness initiatives can provide workers with information about their rights and the dangers of coerced labour and unethical hiring practices. Capacity building for regulatory organisations and officials and integrating information technology are essential.

Effective cooperation among government agencies, civil society groups and international organisations is also essential. The ILO’s BRIDGE initiative in Pakistan – from protocol to practice: a bridge to global action on forced labour – has helped advocacy on issues of forced labour and fair recruitment practices. With funding from the USDOL, the project aims to increase awareness through media campaigns, advocate for the 2014 ILO Protocol to strengthen legal frameworks; work with local NGOs to assist victims; and conduct research to support policymaking for improved public discourse and enforcement.

Hope shines through

Pakistani governments have been committed to eradicating forced labour and encouraging fair recruitment. Several actions, technically supported by the ILO and in collaboration with employers’ and workers’ organisations, have enhanced legal structures and created thorough strategies. On the social front, getting rid of forced labour is essential to safeguarding labour rights and promote a fair and equal society. Fair recruitment practices reduce social disparities by offering equal opportunities to every individual, regardless of their background. This results in empowering workers and improving working conditions as well as enhancing the quality of life for their families.

Getting rid of forced labour and advancing fair recruitment are crucial for the economic and social stability of Pakistan. Forced labour frequently leads to diminished productivity and hinders economic development because of unenthusiastic and undertrained employees. By implementing fair recruitment practices, Pakistan can also increase the number of its workers abroad. This can result in increased remittances, improve productivity and incorporate a greater number of workers in the formal economy, potentially leading to higher tax revenues and improved economic stability. Countries known for fair labour practices are also more appealing to international investors.

Adherence to global labour standards, like those established by the ILO, can help Pakistan fulfil its international obligations and avoid penalties, thus strengthening its economic position. Furthermore, holding onto the preferential trade benefits of the GSP+ status with the European Union offers substantial advantages, such as privileged entry into the EU market. This development has increased Pakistan’s exports, specifically in textiles and clothing, leading to an overall expansion in the economy. Pakistan can enhance stability, prosperity and justice in its society by tackling forced labour and advocating fair recruitment, which will have positive effects on both its economy and its citizens.

As Pakistan progresses economically, it is crucial to prioritise tackling forced labour and encouraging fair recruitment. Stakeholders can create successful strategies to address exploitation and encourage ethical employment by comprehending the interconnected complexities involved. Ensuring fair hiring practices and eradicating forced labour will not only protect human dignity but also boost the country’s socio-economic development.

The writer is an institutional development expert with over 15 years of experience in advisory and management roles across various sectors. He is currently the national project coordinator for a USDOL-funded initiative to combat forced labour. The views expressed here are of the author and do not reflect the stance of any organisation