Bonded Labor Affects 3.4 Million in Pakistan: ILO Tonstol

News Desk

Islamabad: “There are an estimated 3.4 million individuals in conditions of bonded labor in Pakistan,” stated Geir T. Tonstol, Country Director of the ILO, during a formal interaction with journalists in Islamabad on Tuesday.

He emphasized that Pakistan’s heavy reliance on textile exports could be compromised if issues such as forced labor, child labor, and bonded labor persist in the supply chain.

Tonstol pointed out that many labor issues often go unnoticed in mainstream media.

He explained that the purpose of the workshop is to equip journalists with techniques to effectively address labor issues, with the hope that improved reporting will serve as a catalyst for positive changes in workers’ rights and contribute to the development of better policies.

He further mentioned that to maintain trade status, Pakistan must adhere to 27 labor, human rights, and environmental standards.

Tonstol’s interactive session with journalists took place on the first day of a two-day workshop at the ILO office, under the USDOL-funded BRIDGE project, aimed at promoting effective reporting on forced labor and fair recruitment in Pakistan. He also highlighted that Pakistan has been a member of the ILO since gaining independence in 1947, and the ILO established an office in Pakistan in 1970.

Tonstol also briefed the journalists on the four main goals of the ILO in Pakistan.

These goals include providing employment for youth, as 20 million young people in Pakistan are currently unemployed and have limited access to training and education; ensuring social protection, which encompasses social security benefits; upholding international labor standards, noting that Pakistan has ratified only 36 out of 190 ILO labor standards; and improving occupational safety and health.

The Pakistan government is very welcoming and always open to discussions with the International Labour Organization. Pakistan is one of the few countries benefiting from the GSP+ preferential trade agreement with the EU.

Tonstol mentioned that as the country head of the ILO, he frequently interacts with various labor sectors.

He has traveled extensively, including meeting railway unionists while traveling from Lahore to Islamabad by train, visiting mines in Balochistan, and touring factories in Sialkot.

He stated that the ILO supports fostering dialogue between employers, the government, and workers’ unions to promote decent working conditions, social justice, and fair recruitment.

Tonstol emphasized the importance of encouraging trade unions in Pakistan, welcoming those that represent workers.

He noted that the Pakistan Workers’ Federation is one of their partners, and the Employers Federation of Pakistan, based in Karachi, is their largest member representing employers. He also mentioned their collaboration with the governments of Sindh and Punjab to consolidate labor laws.

When asked about the challenges of dealing with provinces regarding labor laws post-18th Amendment, Tonstol acknowledged the difficulties due to the absence of a specific Federal Ministry of Labour.

However, he also highlighted the advantage of having provinces take responsibility, allowing them to create better, localized labor laws.