In a heartbreaking incident from the Kasur region of Punjab, Pakistan, a family was finally freed from more than 130 years of bonded labour after a foreign humanitarian paid off their debt. According to reports, the family had been forced to work at brick kilns for four generations after their ancestors took a loan known locally as peshki. Unable to repay the debt, the family reportedly spent decades working without wages under exploitative conditions.
The rescue was carried out by Aaron Hutchings, a member of the organization Jubilee Campaign, which works under the slogan “End Slavery Now.” Hutchings shared an emotional video of the family’s release on Instagram, capturing the powerful moment they realized they were finally free.
In the caption accompanying the video, he wrote, “Day 5 (2nd family) – WARNING (tear-jerker moment) – This is what happened when we first walked over to them. I think they knew they were going to be freed.”
According to its official mission, Jubilee Campaign advocates for human rights and religious liberty, particularly for ethnic and religious minorities around the world. The organization is currently active in countries including the United States, Myanmar, Nigeria, Pakistan, Iran, and Egypt, where it works to combat forms of modern slavery such as forced labour and sex trafficking.
The video quickly went viral on social media, drawing emotional reactions from viewers around the world. Many praised Hutchings for his efforts, while others questioned how bonded labour practices continue to exist in modern times.
“Why is the practice of bonded labour allowed in Pakistan in the first place?” one user wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Another commented, “This made me cry.”
Many others expressed admiration and gratitude for Hutchings’ humanitarian work. “You are an amazing human. May God bless you and your family with loads of happiness and joy,” wrote one user.
Another emotional response on Instagram read, “Thank you so much for doing this for my people. I hope I can save enough one day to free at least one slave, InshAllah.”
The incident has once again highlighted the harsh realities of bonded labour and the urgent need for stronger enforcement of human rights protections across vulnerable communities worldwide.
