" ILO report highlights vulnerabilities in Pakistan’s cotton supply chain", 10 February 2025

The study, titled “Mapping of the Cotton Supply Chain at the Community Level in Pakistan”, examines the cotton industry in Punjab and Sindh, revealing that smallholder farmers, labourers, and businesses along the supply chain do not fully benefit from the industry’s economic gains.

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Workers in the cotton industry face widespread issues, including inadequate wages, job insecurity, lack of social protection, and unsafe working conditions. The report notes that female workers bear a triple burden of household responsibilities, farm labour, and caregiving, with limited opportunities for training and access to machinery. Additionally, child labour remains prevalent, with many children missing out on education due to farm work.

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Issues such as literacy, education, healthcare access, and community support, particularly for migrant workers and minorities, remain unaddressed. Awareness of workers’ rights, fair wages, and childcare support is also inconsistent, with many farmers and employers failing to implement decent work conditions.

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The report further raises concerns over forced labour practices, particularly in cottage industries and power loom units. The widespread use of advance payments through informal lenders often traps workers in exploitative conditions. Forced overtime, intimidation, and threats of retaliation for non-compliance were also observed, with indications of child labour persisting across farming communities.