Born in 1983 in Muridke, Pakistan, Iqbal Masih’s life was chained by poverty from the start.
His mother worked in a carpet factory and took a loan of just 600 rupees — a decision that unknowingly sold her son into bonded labor.
At the age of 6, Iqbal was forced to work 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, in harsh, inhumane conditions.
If he disobeyed or slowed down, he was beaten.
When he tried to escape, they chained him.
But one day, he succeeded in running away and found help from the Bonded Labour Liberation Front.
There, Iqbal’s life transformed.
He resumed his education, and in just two years, he completed a four-year course — breaking records and gaining global attention.
This little boy, once shackled by oppression, now stood as a voice for freedom.
Iqbal began campaigning against child labor, traveling to Europe and the US, giving speeches, raising awareness.
He became the reason over 30,000 bonded child workers were set free.
In 1994, he received the “Reebok Human Rights Award” in America.
He had become a global icon for justice.
But Iqbal’s dream to become a lawyer and continue the fight was cut short.
On 16th April 1995, Iqbal Masih was shot and killed at the age of just 12.
His life was taken, but his legacy lived on.
In 2022, the Government of Pakistan finally honored him with the Tamgha-e-Shujaat (Medal of Bravery).
Yet today, many in Pakistan still don’t know his name.
Tagically, child labor has returned with force.
Over 20 million children in Pakistan are still trapped in bonded labor, suffering violence, abuse, and lifelong trauma.
But there is hope.
Since 2005, Shauoor Welfare Foundation has been working for the rights, rehabilitation, and education of such children.
Giving them a chance to grow, to learn, to live a life beyond labor — just like Iqbal dreamed.
Let us be the voice for voiceless children.
Let us honor Iqbal’s sacrifice not just with words, but with action.
Let us stand for freedom, for education, for justice.
Let us light the candle of awareness — and pass it on.
Because saving one child… is like saving all of humanity.
Be a part of Shauoor’s mission.
Be the reason a child gets a second chance.
Be like Iqbal.
At Adabi Baithak, Alhambra Hall Lahore Arts Council on Monday, 14th April 2025, Shauoor Welfare Foundation (SWF) proudly hosted a heartfelt tribute titled:
“In Loving Memory of Iqbal Masih – A Symbol of Courage Against Child Labor”
