CM Maryam's kiln reforms win support from US Congress, says Azma Bokhari

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari said on Friday that US Congress members had formally praised Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz for her government’s measures to end bonded labour at brick kilns, calling her vision for Punjab a model for the entire South Asian region.

According to the 24NewsHD TV channel, referring to a letter sent by American lawmakers to the chief minister, she said the acknowledgement was both encouraging and commendable, reflecting international confidence in the provincial government’s social and labour reforms.

Bokhari stated that the US Congress had specifically lauded Maryam Nawaz’s initiatives aimed at improving environmental standards and eliminating forced labour, describing the modern kiln system introduced by the Punjab government as an example for neighbouring countries. She added that American legislators recognised the reforms as creating attractive investment opportunities for US companies.

According to Bokhari, the letter also noted that by eliminating forced labour at kilns, the Punjab government had fulfilled key international commitments and strengthened Pakistan’s credibility in global labour and rights frameworks.

The minister said US lawmakers emphasised that Punjab could emerge as a gateway for future economic cooperation and reiterated that Maryam Nawaz’s governance vision stands out as a regional benchmark.

She said the recognition from the US Congress highlighted the chief minister’s dedication and sense of responsibility, adding that Maryam Nawaz’s welfare-orientated projects were becoming part of her global identity. She said the world was increasingly taking note of the reforms being implemented under her leadership.

Yesterday, US Congress members Thomas R. Suozzi and Jack Bergman wrote a letter to Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, praising her government’s efforts to modernise the province and eliminate bonded labour.

The lawmakers commended the Chief Minister’s environmental initiatives and her push to reform the brick kiln industry, describing the modernisation drive as an important step toward reducing pollution and promoting sustainable development.

They said the reforms reflected a forward-looking vision that had already begun transforming labour practices and environmental standards in Punjab.

In their letter, Suozzi and Bergman expressed “sincere appreciation” for the Punjab government’s work to upgrade the brick kiln sector and end entrenched labour exploitation.

Citing the US State Department’s 2022 Trafficking in Persons Report, they noted that more than 4.5 million people across Pakistan remain trapped in the peshgi system and said recent briefings underscored the provincial administration’s strong commitment to the reforms.

The lawmakers emphasised that mechanising and modernising the kiln sector would help Pakistan meet its international obligations while making Punjab a more appealing destination for foreign direct investment, particularly for American companies seeking ethical and sustainable partnerships.

They wrote that such reforms would deepen economic ties and further strengthen the Pakistan-US relationship, adding that Punjab was well-positioned to serve as a pilot province for these changes.

Reaffirming their support, the Congress members said the Pakistan Caucus “wholeheartedly supports all efforts to end bonded labour” and encouraged the provincial leadership to seek assistance whenever needed.