Socio-Economic Drivers of Forced Labour in Pakistan: A Qualitative Perspective

Forced labour remains a critical human rights issue in Pakistan, deeply embedded within the country's socio-economic and cultural fabric. This study examines the underlying socio-economic drivers of forced labor through a qualitative analysis of vulnerable groups and labor dynamics. The findings reveal that poverty, unemployment, educational deprivation, gender inequality, debt bondage, and migration significantly contribute to individuals' susceptibility to coercive and exploitative work conditions. Economic hardship and weak social protection mechanisms compel many to accept degrading forms of employment, particularly in the informal sector. Lack of access to education and skills training increases children's risk of forced labour, while women face systemic discrimination that confines them to underpaid and high-risk jobs. Cultural norms and traditional practices often reinforce acceptance of exploitative labour, especially in rural and marginalized communities. The study also highlights how the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated existing vulnerabilities, leading to a rise in the incidence of forced labor across various sectors. These findings underscore the necessity for a comprehensive and multi-sectoral response that addresses the structural causes of forced labor through economic reform, access to education, gender empowerment, legal protection, and cultural change. The study concludes that eliminating forced labour in Pakistan requires an integrated, rights-based approach informed by socio-economic realities and inclusive policy interventions.