Nazeeran and Amir: From Bonded Laborers to Witnesses of Hope

For years, a mother suffering from health problems and her son lived in conditions of slavery in a brick kiln in Pakistan. A debt contracted with the owner after the husband’s death turned out to be a trap. Their freedom was regained thanks to the intervention of a Christian activist. Now they face the challenge of rebuilding their lives from scratch — without a home, savings, or a stable source of income.

Lahore (AsiaNews) - For years, Nazeeran Bibi, a Christian widow, 62 years of age and suffering from partial paralysis and tumor in her forehead, and her 20-year-old son Amir Masih lived under the crushing weight of bonded labor in a brick kiln — a modern form of slavery that continues to ensnare thousands of impoverished families across Pakistan. Their story is one of deep suffering but also of faith, courage, and hope restored.

After the death of her husband, Nazeeran struggled to provide for her young son. With limited opportunities and no social safety net, she borrowed a small sum from the owner of a brick factory to cover basic needs. That debt soon turned into a trap.

“The owner told me I could never leave until the loan was repaid,” she recalled with tears. “But every time we worked, they added more to the debt. We were like prisoners.”

Day after day, mother and son labored in scorching heat, making and carrying bricks from dawn until dusk. Their meager earnings barely covered food, and they were constantly monitored to prevent escape. 

Their ordeal came to an end when their cries reached to Rojar Randhawa, a Christian Social Activist who is also running Love Your Neighbor – Mission Love Movement, intervened to secure their release. The rescue was carried out safely, and both Nazeeran and Amir were brought to a secure location where they received food, medical attention, and emotional support.

“It was a miracle,” said Amir Masih. “We prayed every day for freedom. God heard our prayers.”

Freedom, however, is only the beginning of a new chapter. Having spent years in bondage, Nazeeran and Amir now face the challenge of rebuilding their lives from nothing. They have no home, no savings, and no stable source of income.

To ensure a smooth and dignified transition, Rojar Randhawa and his likeminded friends has launched a rehabilitation and resettlement plan for the family. This includes:

• A small fruit and vegetable cart to provide sustainable income for Amir.

• Rental assistance for three months to secure safe housing.

• Continued counseling and community support to help them adjust to their newfound freedom.

These modest but vital steps will help the family live safely and independently, breaking the cycle of poverty and exploitation.

The story of Nazeeran and Amir is a powerful reminder of Christ’s call to “proclaim freedom for the captives” (Luke 4:18). It challenges the Church to stand with the oppressed and offer practical love to those who have suffered injustice.

As Nazeeran says, “I thank God and those who helped us. Now, I just want to live in peace and see my son build a new life.”

Her words echo the hope that countless others in bondage still long to speak — and the mission that the Body of Christ continues to carry forward.

Talking to AsiaNews Rojar Randhawa said, “It was heartbreaking to see the condition of Nazeeran Bibi, a 62-year-old widow who had spent years trapped in bonded labor while suffering from a painful tumor on her forehead and partial paralysis. No one deserves to live in such misery and hopelessness. When I learned about her situation, I knew we could not stand by and do nothing. With the help of my Christian friends and well-wishers, we were able to mobilize the resources needed to pay off her debt and secure her release. It was truly inspiring to see the compassion and generosity of people who came forward to help a woman they had never met. This rescue is a reminder that when we stand together, we can break the chains of oppression and restore dignity to those who have been forgotten.”

Nazeeran Bibi’s freedom is not just her own victory — it is a victory for humanity, for faith, and for hope. I pray that her story will encourage others to reach out and help those still living in bondage.”