The bonded labour phenomenon is aptly described as modern-day slavery. Many poor workers around the world keep falling victim to debt bondage…Bonded labour…remains rampant across South Asia…including in Pakistan…The most widely and deeply affected forms of bonded labour in Pakistan remain prevalent amongst landless sharecroppers (haris) and brick-makers (patheras)…Recent assessments of bonded labour across Pakistan have also begun pointing out that elements of coercion and debt bondage are not necessarily confined to a couple of specific sectors or geographic areas...Several cases are brought to the courts each year...without taking any significant action against those who have subjugated them into bondage…Ultimately, a phenomenon like bonded labour is a symptom of broader labour exploitation...of the workforce…The government must strengthen its labour inspection capacity, take stricter action against those engaging in bonded labour and simultaneously offer increased protection for the exploited workforce…