NRDF - National Research & Development Foundation, Peshawar

In each workshop the Islamic scholars spoke on the topics of: (i) Islamic Concept of Freedom and Dignity of Labour, (ii) Federal Shariat Court Judgment on Bonded Labour (iii) International Conventions 29 and 105; and (iv) National Legal Regime, National Plan of Action and Socio-Economic Implications of Bonded Labour and (v) ILO fundamental conventions on child labour Freedom of Association and Right to Collective Bargaining, and those on Discrimination.

For ensuring substantive and quality outputs, a participatory approach was adopted and all stakeholders were involved in the process from designing and preparing for the workshops to the execution. A total of 391 participants attended these workshops. They included religious scholars, teachers of various Madaris, Imams and Mosque preachers. The events were highly successful and produced positive results.

The series of workshops raised the understanding of the participants on issues pertaining to human and labour rights such as bonded labour, right to decent employment, rights of children etc. It also enabled them to comprehend the international conventions and other legal mechanisms that are in-place to safeguard workers’ rights in conjunction with Islamic teachings and synchronize with the concept of Islamic Shariah. As a result of the extensive research and deliberations a model Khutba (Religious Sermon) for the use of Ulama was prepared and the same was disseminated to the Ulama in meetings and workshops. The model Khutba attracted immense appreciation and majority of Ulama used its contents while delivering Friday sermons and religious discourses at other occasions. Additional resource material was distributed including a reading compendium on the course content and other related topics.

The participants demonstrated increased sense of responsibility and commitment to fulfill their roles of a mentor and a guide in shaping young minds and giving direction to people that contributes to the elimination of violation of human and labour rights. They understood their function as important and fundamental part of society in individual capacity and as an Institution in addressing the issue at hand.

Looking at the success of the project, it is recommended that the target area of the project should be extended to other regions at district across the country, particularly to the areas where the bulk of Pakistani labour resides and is more prone to and susceptible to violations such as bondage etc. For greater impact and substantive contribution, a pool of trained/ sensitized Ulama shall be taken into confidence to deliver the series of khutbas in mosques located in labour colonies and the prayer places of Industrial areas while the scope of the project shall be extended to religious institution like Madaris and Darul Uloom.