Faisalabad, July 25, 2024 - In a tale of resilience and courage, Zohaib Saleem, a 22-year-old brick kiln worker, has been freed from illegal detention thanks to the efforts of the Edge Foundation, a Christian organization based in Lahore. Zohaib and his family were trapped in bonded labor by a powerful brick kiln owner in Kot Radha Kishan, Kasur.
Zohaib, son of Saleem Masih, was held captive by Mian Jameel, the kiln owner, along with Jameel's son Mian Arslan and relative Mian Afzal. The family, consisting of Saleem Masih (65), his wife Perveen Bibi, and their seven children, faced severe restrictions, including denial of medical access. In April 2024, realizing their plight, Perveen Bibi escaped to Faisalabad, seeking help from fellow kiln worker Nadeem Masih.
Nadeem Masih and attorney Atif Jameel Pagaan, with financial support from the Edge Foundation, launched a legal battle for Zohaib's release. They registered an FIR (No. 745/2024) under Section 365B at Kot Radha Kishan police station on April 14, 2024. Despite a court order from Lahore High Court Judge Muhammad Tariq Nadeem, the kiln owners initially denied holding Zohaib.
During his captivity, Zohaib endured harsh conditions, being chained in a basement in Bahria Town, Lahore, and surviving on minimal food. His faith kept him hopeful, and after a month and a half, he managed to break free. An army man at a Lahore exit point helped him return to Faisalabad, where he reunited with his family in late May 2024.
The family's ordeal sheds light on the exploitative practices in the brick kiln industry. Zohaib revealed that his family, despite working tirelessly, received only Rs. 600 for every 1,000 bricks, while the standard rate was Rs. 1,950. This discrepancy was used to perpetuate their indebtedness, effectively trapping them in modern-day slavery.
Advocate Atif Jameel highlighted the urgent need for government intervention to protect kiln workers. He pointed out the minimal expenses for kiln owners compared to the severe exploitation and health risks faced by workers, who often suffer from lung and skin diseases and are denied proper medical care.
The Edge Foundation continues to support Zohaib's family as they navigate ongoing court battles. The case remains in the Lahore High Court, with further hearings expected. Zohaib's story is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for human rights and the need for systemic change in the brick kiln industry.
