Slavery is illegal in Pakistan, but today, thousands of men, women, and children are trapped as slaves in Pakistan, many of whom are Christians. When families are faced with hardships, like an illness or medical expenses, many families sell everything they have in order to make ends meet. When that is not enough, many borrow money from brick kiln owners in exchange for labor, and they sign a contract to work until the debt is repaid. However, they are then exploited and paid a fraction of the agreed price, all while the debt balloons with interest and fees. These workers, along with their children and other family members, are forced to work 12-14 hours a day, seven days a week, for the rest of their lives, and the children receive no formal education. When they die, their children inherit their debt and are forced to remain in slavery. These people are mistreated, abused, and robbed of their wages day after day. This is modern-day slavery in Pakistan.
CMI is buying the freedom of slaves by paying off their debts. We thank and praise God that we have been able to rescue over 20 people and families!
After rescuing a family, we place them into the hands of a local church or pastor who is able to help them rehabilitate. We also try to set these families up for long-term success by providing them with another means of income – for example, a sewing machine or cookware so they can start a small business to support themselves.
CMI also provides outreach to small villages, remote areas, slums, and brick kilns to raise awareness and educate people about modern-day slavery, human trafficking, and how they can save themselves, their families, and their loved ones from this tragedy.