Mike Brickley, Chief Executive Officer of Families Set Free (FSF), and Grant Webster,

Managing Director of the Christian Economic Forum (CEF), jointly commend the

Government of Punjab and the Government of Pakistan for undertaking substantive

reforms to eradicate bonded labor and modernize the brick kiln sector in alignment with

international labor, environmental, and governance standards.

“The Government of Punjab has demonstrated clear political resolve in addressing a

complex and long-standing challenge,” said Mike Brickley. “The establishment of a formal

governance framework to eliminate bonded child labor marks a decisive transition from

fragmented responses toward coordinated, system-level reform.”

A central component of this effort is the formation of the 15-member Provincial Steering

Committee to Eradicate Bonded Child Labor, chaired by Senior Minister Marriyum

Aurangzeb. As the first province to implement an integrated cross-sector strategy targeting

exploitation in brick kilns and other high-risk industries, Punjab has institutionalized

oversight, coordination, and accountability within its reform architecture.

“Importantly, the introduction of the Punjab Labour Code 2026 signals a long-anticipated

modernization of the province’s labor governance framework,” Brickley added. “It aligns

economic development with strengthened worker protections, sustainability priorities, and

rule-of-law principles, reinforcing structural accountability and long-term reform.”

“The coherence between legislative direction, administrative coordination, and

implementation mechanisms is both credible and encouraging,” said Grant Webster.

“During our two-week visit to Pakistan with more than 20 CEF members, we engaged at the

Prime Minister’s Office, the National Assembly, and the Punjab Assembly. These

consultations provided substantive insight into the regulatory commitments supporting

mechanization, enhanced labor protection, and environmental compliance. We observed

professionalism, transparency, and urgency in the province’s response.”

“The establishment of the Steering Committee to Eradicate Bonded Child Labor represents

a decisive and commendable institutional step,” said Øystein K. Selbekk, member of the CEF

delegation and CEO Selbekk Invest AS. “From our arrival in Lahore to our departure from

Islamabad, we experienced consistent professionalism, transparency, and constructive

 

engagement across government institutions. These qualities are essential to building longterm international confidence and sustainable reform.”

International recognition has further reinforced confidence in this trajectory. The

Congressional Pakistan Caucus, chaired by Congressman Tom Suozzi (NY03) and

Congressman Jack Bergman (MI01) has served as a pivotal catalyst in the fight against

bonded labor. Their leadership and relentless efforts over the past year have helped drive

measurable progress in Pakistan. In November 2026, the Co-Chairs of the Congressional

Pakistan Caucus, Congressman Tom Suozzi and Congressman Jack Bergman, issued a formal

letter acknowledging Punjab’s progress in eliminating bonded labor and advancing

responsible industrial modernization.

In February 2026, the caucus received official communications from Senior Minister

Marriyum Aurangzeb, Chair of the Committee; Mohsin Shanawaz Ranjha, Co-Chair of the

Committee; and Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan, Speaker of the Punjab Assembly, detailing

the government’s continued implementation measures. In response, Congressman Suozzi

described the developments as “something to celebrate” and reaffirmed the caucus’s

support for sustained U.S.–Pakistan engagement, including collaboration with the American

business and nonprofit sectors to promote ethical supply chains, responsible investment,

and long-term social impact. Congressman Suozzi emphasized that fighting for families

trapped in bonded labor is not just policy priority, but a moral calling and legacy that he

will carry with pride.”

Collectively, these developments position Punjab’s reform pathway as an emerging

benchmark for responsible governance, ethical industrial modernization, and durable

public and private cooperation.

The joint statement reaffirmed continued support for high-level dialogue, principled

international partnership, and cross-sector collaboration to permanently eradicate bonded

labor while advancing inclusive, environmentally responsible, and rules-based economic growth.