Chairman Senate Senator Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani Tuesday expressed his support for a pioneering US-Pakistan initiative aimed at eradicating bonded labour through the modernization of Pakistan’s brick kiln industry
ISLAMABAD, (APP – UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News – 16th Jun, 2026) Chairman Senate Senator Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani Tuesday expressed his support for a pioneering US-Pakistan initiative aimed at eradicating bonded labour through the modernization of Pakistan’s brick kiln industry.
The commitment came during a meeting with a high-level delegation led by Mike Brickley, Silicon Valley entrepreneur and CEO of Families Set Free (FSF), said a news release.
The delegation included Naveed Aamir Jeeva, MNA; Dr. Rubina Feroze Bhatti; Ashraf J. Mall, CEO of Pakistan Partnership Initiative (PPI); Ryan Andrew Brickley; Mathew Ryan Brickley; Maqsood Ali; Dr. Waheed Yousaf; and Col. Muhammad Akhtar Iqbal.
Brickley briefed the Chairman Senate on the joint efforts of FSF and PPI, in collaboration with the Government of Punjab, to mechanize brick kilns and create sustainable employment opportunities for vulnerable communities.
He noted that the initiative combines business investment with social impact to replace exploitative labour practices with skilled employment and economic empowerment.
Ashraf J. Mall shared that PPI has helped rescue and rehabilitate more than 15,000 families affected by bonded labour through livelihood support, youth skills development, and school enrollment for children. He added that a delegation of 25 American business leaders visited Pakistan earlier this year to explore investments in brick kiln modernization and employment generation.
Naveed Aamir Jeeva highlighted the Pakistan Peoples Party’s commitment to the welfare of women, minorities, and marginalized communities. He noted that the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), Pakistan’s largest social protection initiative offers significant opportunities for collaboration in supporting families transitioning out of bonded labour.
Dr. Rubina Feroze Bhatti informed the Chairman Senate that the initiative has received recognition. She noted that three brick kilns have already been mechanized, while six more are being modernized in Faisalabad, Sargodha, and Sheikhupura.
Gillani commended the initiative and assured the delegation of his full support. He encouraged the expansion of the model to South Punjab and reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Pakistan-US cooperation, including efforts to promote closer ties between Punjab and California.
The Chairman said that minorities and women have always remained an important part of his political vision and constituency. He noted that Pakistan Peoples Party has consistently played a significant role in promoting the rights, empowerment, and welfare of women and minority communities.
He emphasized that the Parliament of Pakistan, particularly the Senate, has taken meaningful steps to enhance women’s representation across all sectors and has worked to ensure their effective participation in the parliamentary process. He further highlighted that reserved seats have been allocated to facilitate greater political inclusion and representation of minority communities.
Gilani added that minorities in Pakistan enjoy complete religious freedom under the Constitution and noted that the Senate has undertaken effective legislative measures aimed at safeguarding minority rights and promoting interfaith harmony across the country.
Earlier , an Italian business delegation called on Chairman Senate Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani to discuss matters of mutual interest, with particular focus on business opportunities, trade promotion, and strengthening bilateral relations between Pakistan and Italy.
The delegation comprised of Andrea Costantino, Investment Director | Expert in Energy Markets, FABIO SCACCIAVILLANI, Founding partner Nextperience and Yasir M. Bajwa , President AMB techno service.
The meeting emphasized enhancing economic cooperation and exploring avenues for increased investment across various sectors.
Gilani lauded the role of Pakistani diaspora in Italy and said the diaspora is playing a vital role in promoting people-to-people contacts.
The Chairman Senate welcomed the delegation and lauded the longstanding friendly ties between Pakistan and Italy. He underscored the importance of expanding parliamentary and economic cooperation, highlighting Pakistan’s commitment to facilitating foreign investment and promoting stronger business-to-business linkages.
The Chairman Senate expressed Pakistan’s desire to further strengthen bilateral relations with Italy in trade, commerce, and investment.
The Italian delegation appreciated Pakistan’s economic potential and reaffirmed its interest in enhancing cooperation to promote mutually beneficial partnerships between the two countries.
