Karachi: The Employers Federation of Pakistan (EFP), in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO), has launched a new initiative aimed at eradicating forced labor from the agricultural sector, focusing on enhancing sustainability and protecting workers’ rights.

According to Employers’ Federation of Pakistan, Secretary General Syed Nazar Ali emphasized the urgency of addressing forced labor during a capacity-building session in Hyderabad under the ILO’s BRIDGE Project. The session involved discussions on implementing clear policies and engaging all stakeholders in the supply chain to effectively combat this issue. The event, which also included stakeholders like the Mehar Agriculture Employers (Landlords) Association, highlighted the broader implications of forced labor on business sustainability and economic development.

Qazi Wajid Mahesar, President of the Mehar Agriculture Employers Association, spoke on the unique challenges faced by small-scale landlords in Sindh, such as water scarcity and soil degradation, which contribute to the vulnerability of farmers. He called for governmental support to strengthen policies that could eliminate forced labor and improve conditions in the sector.

Ghulam Sarwer Uttero, Regional Director of the Labour Directorate in Hyderabad, praised the EFP’s efforts and stressed the importance of robust enforcement mechanisms, such as the Sindh Bonded Labour System Act of 2015 and vigilant district-level committees, to ensure compliance with labor laws.