This is the text of the letter being sent to the Government of Pakistan:

Dear Minister,

I welcome and fully support the Government of Pakistan's commitment to tackling bonded labour in Pakistan, as set out in the 2001 National Policy and Plan of Action for the Abolition of Bonded Labour.

However, as you are aware, the 2002-03 rapid assessment surveys on bonded labour commissioned by your Ministry and the International Labour Organization indicate that little practical progress has been made against bonded labour in many sectors.

For example, the rapid assessment on debt bondage in brick kilns concluded that 'Despite national legislation forbidding any advance tied to labour, more labour is in debt bondage than ever before'.

In light of the above, I would be grateful to receive any information regarding measures that the Government of Pakistan is taking to implement the 2001 National Policy and Plan of Action, progress made, and practical results achieved. In particular, the status of the national survey on the extent of bonded labour in Pakistan; the functioning of the District Vigilance Committees; and details of convictions and punishments under the 1992 law.

I would also appreciate receiving information on the number of bonded labourers who have been released and rehabilitated, along with any action undertaken by the Government to reduce the vulnerability of individuals to becoming bonded labourers in the first place.

This e-mail is being copied to Mr. Heino Marius, at the European Commission Directorate-General for External Affairs, and I hope that the European Commission will provide you with any assistance you may request in seeking to implement the 2001 National Policy and Plan of Action.

Thank you for your attention.