Faisalabad, Pakistan – April 3, 2025 – Pakistan remains one of the few countries where 99.8% of bricks are still made by hand, a stark contrast to other Asian nations that have embraced mechanization. Nearly four million people, including women and children, toil in gruelling conditions in the country’s brick kilns, with many children forced into labor instead of attending school.

In a ground breaking effort to modernize the industry and eliminate child labor, Pakistan Partnership Initiative (PPI) and its partner Families Set Free (FSF) have launched a pilot project to mechanize brick production. As part of this initiative, a brick-making machine imported from China has been installed in Faisalabad as a pilot.

The machine was officially inaugurated today in a ceremony attended by FSF President Mike Brickley, PPI CEO Ashraf Mall, and Punjab Assembly Member Ejaz Alam Augustine, along with several other distinguished guests and brick kiln owners.

Speaking at the event, PPI CEO Ashraf Mall shared the organization’s vision: “We aim to mechanize the entire brick kiln industry in Pakistan. This is the first step toward ending the cycle of labor exploitation.”

FSF President Mike Brickley echoed this sentiment, stating, “Mechanization will free women and children from the burden of brick-making. Our goal is not only to modernize the industry but also to empower freed families, helping them build sustainable futures.”

Punjab Assembly Member Ejaz Alam Augustine praised PPI and FSF for their efforts, calling the initiative a “transformational step” for the brick kiln industry.

Mixed Reactions from Brick Kiln Owners
Several brick kiln owners attended the inauguration, expressing a mix of optimism and concerns. Many welcomed the shift toward mechanization, citing improved brick quality, increased production capacity, and the potential for exports. Others acknowledged the challenges of managing manual labor and saw mechanization as a necessary evolution for the industry.

A Day of Freedom for 42 Families
In a separate celebration later in the day, 42 families—totaling around 250 individuals—were freed from bonded labor in brick kilns. To support their transition to independence, each family was provided with a rickshaw to start their own business.

Overcome with emotion, the newly freed families expressed their gratitude, thanking God, PPI, and FSF for their newfound freedom. Many shared their excitement about finally being able to send their children to school and build a better future.

This initiative marks a significant step in transforming Pakistan’s brick kiln industry, offering hope for thousands still trapped in generational bondage.