Badal Masih, a 37-year-old Christian brick kiln worker, volunteer pastor, husband and father of four, sought legal protection and emergency assistance after allegedly facing pressure to convert to Islam, threats and labour exploitation at a brick kiln in District Kasur.
Badal approached The EDGE Foundation on 11 November 2025 after fleeing the kiln with his family. He told the organisation that they had left their home and most of their belongings behind because they feared for their safety.
For nearly two years, Badal had worked at a brick kiln owned by Baber Bhatti in Kamhar Wali Havali, Raja Jang. He lived in accommodation connected to the kiln with his wife, Shakeela, their four young children and his elderly mother, while reportedly paying monthly rent.
The family depended almost entirely on Badal’s physically demanding work moulding bricks. Alongside his labour, he also served voluntarily as a Christian pastor, offering prayer and spiritual support to Christian workers and families living at nearby brick kilns.
According to Badal, his difficulties began after his wife’s cousin, Shahzad, obtained an advance of PKR 500,000 from the kiln owner. When Shahzad later left without repaying the amount, Badal agreed to guarantee the debt in an effort to assist his relative.
Although Badal said he had not personally borrowed the money, he continued working at the kiln so the amount could gradually be recovered through deductions from his labour.
Badal alleged that the arrangement left him trapped in continuing debt. He claimed workers were paid below the government-prescribed wage rate, making it extremely difficult to support a family while also reducing the outstanding advance.
Despite working long hours, he said his financial position did not improve and the debt continued to be used to restrict his freedom to leave the kiln.
The situation allegedly became more serious when the kiln owner’s son approached Badal with an offer concerning his faith. According to Badal, he was told that the outstanding debt would be forgiven if he converted from Christianity to Islam.
Badal, who had been serving the local Christian community as a volunteer pastor, refused to renounce his faith. He later said he approached several local pastors for assistance but was unable to secure meaningful intervention.
Concerned about the alleged pressure and his family’s growing vulnerability, Badal travelled to Lahore with his family on 5 November 2025. While there, he recorded a statement describing the alleged demand that he convert, as well as the labour and financial difficulties he was facing.
According to Badal, the kiln owner reacted angrily after he returned. He alleged that he was detained for four days and pressured to withdraw or change the statement he had made in Lahore.
During this period, Badal claimed he was threatened with serious consequences if he attempted to leave the kiln or continued seeking legal assistance. He further alleged that the owner demanded the immediate repayment of the advance and warned him not to escape with his family.
Fearing further intimidation, Badal and his family decided they could no longer remain at the kiln. During the night of 9 November 2025, they fled and sought temporary refuge with relatives in Lahore.
Because they left in haste, the family was unable to take most of its household belongings and personal possessions. The sudden escape left Badal, his wife and children without stable accommodation or a reliable source of income.
The family was already facing serious hardship. Badal’s elderly mother suffered from significant eyesight problems but had been unable to receive proper medical treatment because of their financial circumstances. His four young children were also left without a secure home following the family’s escape.
With limited resources and nowhere else to turn, Badal approached The EDGE Foundation for assistance.
The Foundation documented his allegations, assessed the family’s immediate needs and arranged temporary shelter and humanitarian support. Because the case involved claims of religious coercion, threats and labour exploitation, it was also referred to the Foundation’s legal team.
Advocate Sohail Shahid Gill reviewed the available information and prepared legal proceedings on Badal’s behalf. A harassment petition was filed before the competent court on 17 November 2025, and the matter was disposed of the following day.
During this period, The EDGE Foundation provided Badal and his family with legal guidance, counselling and practical support while they attempted to rebuild their lives away from the kiln.
Badal’s case highlights the vulnerability of workers whose employment, housing and financial survival are all controlled by the same employer. Brick kiln labourers who receive advances can become trapped in long-term debt, particularly where wages are low and repayment arrangements lack transparency.
His allegations also raise serious concerns about freedom of religion. No worker should be placed in a position where financial hardship, employment or the cancellation of debt is allegedly made conditional upon abandoning their faith.
For Christian labourers living in isolated kiln communities, access to police, lawyers and independent support can be extremely limited. Fear of losing employment or accommodation may also discourage families from reporting exploitation or threats.
The EDGE Foundation continues to support vulnerable individuals who allege religious discrimination, bonded labour, harassment or other human rights violations. Through legal aid, emergency relief and advocacy, the organisation seeks to ensure that families such as Badal’s can access protection and pursue justice without facing the legal process alone.