In a chilling reminder of modern-day slavery, three orphaned siblings—Kamran Masih (13), Imran Masih (9), and little Shamshad Masih (7)—have been forced into helpless bondage at a brick kiln in Sheikhupura. The orphaned brothers face exploitation, hunger and lives which are defined by debt. Imran, profoundly intellectually disabled since birth, is the most vulnerable of the three.
Life for these young boys changed forever eighteen months ago when their mother, Nomi Boota (40 yrs), lost her battle for life. Their father, Boota Masih (45 yrs), had long been struggling with illness himself. Desperate to save his wife and with no access to proper healthcare, he borrowed Rs. 150,000 (USD 534) from the brick kiln owner—a loan that chained the entire family into lifelong debt. But the treatment failed, and Nomi passed away, leaving the family devastated. Already weakened by years of sickness and poverty, Boota Masih followed her soon after, leaving behind three children with no guardianship, no income, and no hope.
Nadeem Masih (28), the cousin of Kamran Masih shared with Passionate for Human Devotion,
“Poverty killed the parents of Kamran”
“They could not get proper treatment from any hospital”
“With the death of Kamran’s parents, the burden of survival has fallen on the shoulders of Kamran”
Kamran in his teens now plays the role of a guardian, provider and the protector of his younger brothers who stays with him when he is molding bricks from dawn to dusk.
“My brothers are my world I never leave them alone” Kamran told Passionate for Human Devotion
Kamran must work from dawn until dusk to earn enough to feed his younger brothers and to pay the loan his parents borrowed.
Nadeem Masih added, “Kamran cannot pay the loan even if he works for years”
This is the vicious cycle that keeps generations enslaved in the brick-making industry.
Imran and Shamshad depend on Kamran for their safety and protection.
Across Pakistan, thousands of families remain trapped in the same cycle of debt, illness, and forced labor. A single medical emergency, a failed crop, or a missed payment can push entire households into bondage. The Peshgi system—advance loans that balloon into lifelong debts—continues to turn workers into property, passing the burden from parents to children, and then to their children. Without urgent intervention, Kamran, Imran, and Shamshad risk becoming yet another generation erased by this system.
But their story doesn’t have to end this way. Hope can begin with awareness, compassion, and timely action. Passionate for Human Devotion (PHD) is committed to breaking this cycle—through education, legal support, rehabilitation, and empowering families to rebuild their futures with dignity. When a community stands together, even the most entrenched forms of exploitation begin to crumble.
These three brothers deserve more than survival. They deserve childhood, safety, education, healing, and a life free from fear. Their future depends on the courage of those willing to stand with them.
Your support can change the direction of these children’s lives.
Kamran, Imran, and Shamshad stand at a crossroads where one compassionate step from you can free them from a lifetime of bondage. Your contribution to Passionate for Human Devotion (PHD) helps provide emergency relief, safe housing, legal assistance, medical care, and long-term rehabilitation for children trapped in bonded labor. Together, we can break the cycle that has crushed their family for generations.
Every donation—small or large—becomes a lifeline of hope.
Stand with us. Stand for their freedom.
Passionate for Human Devotion (PHD) is stepping forward with a comprehensive intervention plan to protect and rehabilitate these three brothers. Our team is assessing their immediate needs—safe shelter, nutritious meals, medical evaluation for Imran’s disability, and psychological support for the trauma they have endured. We are also pursuing legal avenues to challenge their bondage and free them from the debt that has stolen their childhood. In the long term, PHD aims to enroll the children in school, support their extended family, and ensure they receive the dignity, safety, and future every child deserves. This is not just rescue work; it is rebuilding a life with dignity and hope.