Pakistani textile workers freed from long term jail sentences

Faisalabad is Pakistan’s third largest city and is that country’s largest textile centre with hundreds of thousands of workers employed in the industry. In 2010, a series of demonstrations and strikes by the power loom workers in Faisalabad brought the sector to a standstill as workers fought for better wages and conditions. The state reacted by arresting many leaders and a number of them were sentenced for 80 years under anti-terrorist legislation. These workers have now been freed after four years in jail. We salute our comrades, their struggle and their sacrifice. 

Faisalabad is Pakistan’s third largest city and is that country’s largest textile centre with hundreds of thousands of workers employed in the industry. In 2010, a series of demonstrations and strikes by the power loom workers in Faisalabad brought the sector to a standstill as workers fought for better wages and conditions. The state reacted by arresting many leaders and a number of them were sentenced for 80 years under anti-terrorist legislation. These workers have now been freed after four years in jail. We salute our comrades, their struggle and their sacrifice.