Washington/Lahore, November 20,2025: The Congressional Pakistan Caucus has praised the Punjab government for its push to modernise the province’s brick kiln industry, describing the initiative as a key step toward eliminating bonded labour and creating ethical, investment-friendly economic conditions.
In a letter addressed to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Congressmen Thomas Suozzi and Jack Bergman lauded the provincial administration’s “visionary efforts” to reform the sector, which has long been associated with exploitative labour practices.
“…we extend our sincere appreciation for your government’s visionary efforts to moderni[s]e Punjab’s brick kiln industry as a means to address environmental challenges and eliminate bonded labo[u]r,” the lawmakers wrote.
Citing the US State Department’s 2022 Trafficking in Persons Report, the letter noted that more than 4.5 million people in Pakistan remain trapped in the peshgi system, a deeply entrenched form of bonded labour.
The congressmen said recent briefings had highlighted the Punjab government’s “strong commitment to this transformative initiative,” including the mechanisation of brick kilns and systemic reforms aimed at replacing exploitative practices with regulated, transparent structures.
They emphasised that modernising the sector would not only help Pakistan meet international labour and environmental standards but also enhance the province’s appeal to foreign investors — particularly American companies seeking “ethical and sustainable partnerships.”
“These reforms will enhance bilateral economic relations and strengthen the overall Pakistan-US partnership,” the Pakistan Caucus noted, adding that Punjab was well positioned to serve as a pilot province for wider national adoption.
Reaffirming their support, the lawmakers wrote: “The Pakistan Caucus wholeheartedly supports all efforts to end bonded labo[u]r,” and encouraged Punjab’s leadership to seek congressional assistance whenever required.
