IG orders crackdown on bonded labour

LAHORE: Inspector General of Police, Punjab, Arif Nawaz Khan has said a regular campaign against bonded labour at brick kilns should be started to eliminate it permanently from all districts of the province, and no delay be tolerated in legal action against the owners of the kilns that practiced forced labour.

He expressed these views while giving directions to the Lahore CCPO, all RPOs and DPOs via video link conference. He said a crackdown with the help of Labour Department and Child Protection Bureau should be launched, and FIRs be lodged against the owners or managers forthwith.

Additional IGP Operations Aamir Zulfiqar Khan briefed the IG that the total number of kilns in Punjab was 9,288 where 266,750 labourers, 239,392 male and 27,358 female, worked. He said action against the owners of the kilns were bonded labour was taken had been going on in all districts of Punjab since January 1, 2016. Around 15,813 inspections have been conducted under the supervision of DPOs and SDPOs since then, and 2,739 workers and children were found doing bonded labour at the kilns. The bonded labourers have been recovered by police and 1,301 cases registered against the owners. He said that 14,259 inspections had been carried out so far.

The IG directed the officers that the process of the inspection should be started for permanent elimination of bonded labour from all districts of Punjab with the help of not only the local police but also with the cooperation of Special Branch, local representatives and members of civil society.

About the Shab-e-Barat security, he said all available resources should be utilised for providing foolproof security to all mosques, Imambargahas and other congregations in all districts of the province. Snipers should be deputed at the mosques and Imambargahs and nobody should be allowed to enter the worship places without comprehensive search. He added that action should be taken by observing zero tolerance against those who were found involved in firing into the air and using fireworks.

The IG said that it was evident from the Quetta blasts that police force was specifically targeted, therefore, all officers and officials should also focus on their security during duties. In this aspect, existing SOPs should be followed strictly. He directed that police personnel should not stand in the form of group at one point. He directed the officers to ensure implementation of the ban on sale of fireworks stuff. In case of any loss with respect to fireworks, the DPO of the respective district would be held liable for this, he warned.