Lahore: A 22-year-old Christian labourer, Adil Masih, has allegedly been unlawfully detained and subjected to abuse at a brick kiln on Raiwind Road, in a case that highlights serious concerns about modern-day slavery, bonded labour, and weak law enforcement.

Adil, a married father of two—a four-year-old daughter and a newborn son—was reportedly taken to a brick kiln nearly four months ago. Since then, his family claims he has been held there against his will. According to his parents, the kiln owner is demanding Rs350,000 for his release, despite their insistence that Adil never took any loan and was working only as a loader.

“We are poor people. We begged them, but they refused. They threatened us not to take legal action,” said his father, Ashraf Masih, a daily wage labourer, adding that his son has been falsely implicated.

The family alleges that Adil is being forced into hard labour under inhumane conditions, with minimal food and no medical care. His health is said to be deteriorating rapidly, as he suffers from a serious kidney condition and has only one functioning kidney.

“He is beaten, starved, and not even allowed to meet us,” said his mother, Kalsoom Ashraf, who fears for her son’s life. She added that he has endured repeated physical assaults and ongoing psychological abuse.

Despite repeated visits to the local police station, the family claims no effective action has been taken. “As soon as we mention the accused’s name, no one listens to us,” the father alleged.

The case highlights a wider pattern of exploitation in Pakistan’s brick kiln sector, where vulnerable labourers are often trapped through coercion, threats, and fabricated debts—conditions widely recognised as modern-day slavery. According to representatives working on the case, such practices continue due to weak enforcement of existing laws and a lack of accountability.

Azhar Malik, Co-Chair, stated that the legal team is actively pursuing the case and expressed hope that Adil will be recovered in the coming days and reunited with his family. He stressed that such incidents are not isolated but reflect a systemic failure.

“Despite clear laws prohibiting bonded labour, their implementation remains extremely weak,” he said. “Powerful individuals continue to exploit poor and vulnerable workers with impunity. This is not just a legal issue—it is a moral failure of the system.”

He further added that urgent reforms and strict enforcement mechanisms are needed to dismantle these practices. “If the state does not act decisively, such forms of modern-day slavery will continue to thrive. Every citizen deserves dignity, freedom, and protection under the law.”

Legal proceedings are now underway, with a petition expected to be filed before the Lahore High Court seeking Adil’s immediate recovery and protection.

As the case unfolds, the family continues to appeal for urgent intervention, fearing for Adil’s life and safety.