News Detail
Event Title: Chairman Senate Supports US-Pakistan Partnership to End Bonded Labour Through Brick Kiln Modernization
Event Date: 2026-06-16
Chairman Senate Senator Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani has expressed his support for a pioneering US-Pakistan initiative aimed at eradicating bonded labour through the modernization of Pakistan's brick kiln industry.
The commitment came during a meeting with a high-level delegation led by Mr. Mike Brickley, Silicon Valley entrepreneur and CEO of Families Set Free (FSF). The delegation included Mr. Naveed Aamir Jeeva, MNA; Dr. Rubina Feroze Bhatti; Mr. Ashraf J. Mall, CEO of Pakistan Partnership Initiative (PPI); Mr. Ryan Andrew Brickley; Mr. Mathew Ryan Brickley; Mr. Maqsood Ali; Dr. Waheed Yousaf; and Col. Muhammad Akhtar Iqbal.
Mr. Brickley briefed the Chairman Senate on the joint efforts of FSF and PPI, in collaboration with the Government of Punjab, to mechanize brick kilns and create sustainable employment opportunities for vulnerable communities. He noted that the initiative combines business investment with social impact to replace exploitative labour practices with skilled employment and economic empowerment.
Mr. Ashraf J. Mall shared that PPI has helped rescue and rehabilitate more than 15,000 families affected by bonded labour through livelihood support, youth skills development, and school enrollment for children. He added that a delegation of 25 American business leaders visited Pakistan earlier this year to explore investments in brick kiln modernization and employment generation.
Mr. Naveed Aamir Jeeva highlighted the Pakistan Peoples Party's commitment to the welfare of women, minorities, and marginalized communities. He noted that the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Pakistan's largest social protection initiative offers significant opportunities for collaboration in supporting families transitioning out of bonded labour.
Dr. Rubina Feroze Bhatti informed the Chairman Senate that the initiative has received recognition during the Pakistan-US Symposium at the United States Congress and is contributing to stronger Pakistan-US relations. She noted that three brick kilns have already been mechanized, while six more are being modernized in Faisalabad, Sargodha, and Sheikhupura.
Chairman Senate Gillani commended the initiative and assured the delegation of his full support. He encouraged the expansion of the model to South Punjab and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Pakistan-US cooperation, including efforts to promote closer ties between Punjab and California.
Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said that minorities and women have always remained an important part of his political vision and constituency. He noted that Pakistan Peoples Party has consistently played a significant role in promoting the rights, empowerment, and welfare of women and minority communities.
He emphasized that the Parliament of Pakistan, particularly the Senate, has taken meaningful steps to enhance women’s representation across all sectors and has worked to ensure their effective participation in the parliamentary process. He further highlighted that reserved seats have been allocated to facilitate greater political inclusion and representation of minority communities.
Chairman Senate added that minorities in Pakistan enjoy complete religious freedom under the Constitution and noted that the Senate has undertaken effective legislative measures aimed at safeguarding minority rights and promoting interfaith harmony across the country.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to sustainable development, economic inclusion, and the elimination of bonded labour through innovation, investment, and international partnership.