EFP and ILO work together to end forced labour in the agricultural sector

KARACHI: The Employers Federation of Pakistan (EFP) has stressed the critical importance of eliminating forced labour from the informal sector to ensure sustainable business practices. Secretary General Syed Nazar Ali stressed the need during a capacity building session organised by EFP in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) under the BRIDGE project in Hyderabad.

Mr. Nazar Ali also briefed the participants on the ongoing efforts of the Employers Federation of Pakistan (EFP) to highlight the importance of eliminating forced labor from the agricultural sector. This initiative aims to protect workers’ rights, enhance business sustainability and promote sustainable economic development. He emphasized the need for companies to adopt clear and transparent policies that encompass all stakeholders in their product and supply chains to effectively eliminate forced labor.

In addition, the EFP Secretary General stressed that long-term prevention of forced labour in the informal sector relies on united advocacy efforts through employer associations, targeted poverty reduction programmes and the establishment of sound legislation. He highlighted the key role of these associations in combating both forced and bonded labour, especially in sectors such as agriculture.

In addition to advocating for clear policies, he outlined EFP’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights and promoting sustainable economic development through responsible business practices. These efforts are key to ensuring fair and humane working conditions across industries.

Qazi Wajid Mahesar, President of Mehar Agriculture Employers (Landlords) Association (IAEA), expressed gratitude for the session organized by EFP and ILO. The event focused on addressing the problems of forced labor among smallholders in Sindh with the aim to increase understanding and develop feasible solutions.

Mr. Mahesar acknowledged that agriculture faces challenges including water scarcity, seed availability and soil degradation, which exacerbate the vulnerability of farmers and smallholders. He called for government support for robust policies to alleviate forced labor and improve working conditions in the sector.

Ghulam Sarwer Uttero, Regional Director of Labour Directorate, Hyderabad, praised the EFP initiatives in combating child labour and forced labour. He highlighted the importance of Sindh Bonded Labour System Act, 2015 and highlighted the role of vigilance committees in enforcing labour laws at the district level.

Participants in the session shared their observations on the difficulties faced by small landowners and proposed measures to increase crop productivity and ensure social protection for agricultural workers. They called on the EFP and ILO to support initiatives such as social insurance hospitals and legislative reforms to effectively address these challenges.