Foreign couple frees Kasur family from generations-long bonded labour

A foreign couple has won widespread praise in Pakistan after reportedly paying off the debt of a poor family in Kasur, freeing them from generations of bonded labour linked to a brick kiln system that had continued for more than a century.

According to local reports, the affected family had remained trapped under a debt burden for nearly 130 years after an ancestor allegedly borrowed a large sum decades ago.

Family members were later forced to work at a brick kiln without wages in an effort to repay the loan, but the debt and accumulated interest reportedly continued to increase over time.

Sources said the family had spent generations making bricks under harsh and inhumane conditions while remaining unable to clear the outstanding amount.

The situation changed when a Western couple visiting Pakistan learned about the family’s condition and decided to pay off the entire debt, leading to the family’s release from bonded labour.

Emotional scenes were witnessed after the payment was made, with one woman from the family embracing the foreign man while expressing gratitude and relief.

The incident has drawn widespread reaction on social media, where users described the act as an example of humanity and compassion beyond religion, race, and nationality.

Several users also expressed regret that no influential local figure had stepped forward earlier to help the family escape the alleged debt trap.

Others criticized the continued existence of bonded labour practices in parts of the country and called on authorities to take stronger action against illegal and exploitative labour systems.