Iqbal Masih was a child labourer and activist from Pakistan, who is regarded as the symbol of the struggle against forced child labour and abusive labour practices.

Iqbal was born in 1983 to a poor family in the suburbs of Lahore, Pakistan. His father had abandoned the family, and his mother Inayat, who independently carried the responsibility of her children, worked as a house cleaner.

At the young age of 4, Iqbal was sold off to a local carpet weaving business as a bonded labourer (or debt slave), to pay off the debt of his parents. He worked tirelessly for 14 hours a day, 6 days a week in horrible conditions, and with wages so low, it would be impossible for him to pay back the owner. Over time, Iqbal’s debt increased as he was fined for every mistake he made.

After six long years of dedicating his life to weaving carpets, Iqbal saw Bonded Labour Liberation Front (BLLF) posters declaring that bonded and child labor was illegal under Pakistan law and secretly contacted BLLF activists. At the risk of his own life, Iqbal led the BLLF to the carpet looms where they rescued hundreds of children, who might still be in slavery if not for his courage.

Iqbal continued working with the BLLF, speaking out against child labour. His influence grew, attracting attention from international activists and journalists.

Unfortunately, Iqbal’s rising popularity also made him a target. Having celebrated Easter with his family, Iqbal was shot dead on April 16, 1995 in Muridke, Pakistan. He was only 12 years old. Many people believe that he was murdered by the so-called 'carpet mafia' as retribution for his great influence.

Iqbal Masih is a hero. He is still considered symbolic of the struggle against child labour, and he even earned the first World's Children's Prize for the Rights of the Child posthumously.

He was an outspoken public advocate against child exploitation, sharing his own experiences as a child labourer, who helped more than 3000 children.

Iqbal's cause inspired the creation of organizations such as We Charity, a Canadian charity and youth movement, and the Iqbal Masih Shaheed Children Foundation, which has started over 20 schools in Pakistan.

He is story has been the inspiration for numerous books and films.

1983

Iqbal Masih was born in the suburbs of Lahore, Pakistan.

1987

Iqbal was sent off to work at a carpet weaving business as a 'debt slave.'

1993

Iqbal escaped the factory and joined the BLLF.

1994

Iqbal is awarded the Reebok Youth in Action Award, and he travelled to Boston to accept this prize.

16 April, 1995

Iqbal was fatally shot in Muridke.

2000

Iqbal received a posthumous World's Children's Prize for the Rights of the Child.

23 March 2022

President of Pakistan, Arif Alvi, conferred the Sitara-e-Shujaat (award for bravery) to Iqbal posthumously.

• "Children should have pens in their hands, not tools."

• "I used to be afraid of my master, but now they are afraid of me."

• "I would like to do what Abraham Lincoln did. I would like to do it in Pakistan"

• "The change starts within each one of us, and ends only when all children are free to be children."

• Child labour

• Child abuse

• Trauma

• Leadership

• Resilience

• Activism

• Change

• Freedom

• Iqbal Masih, Child Hero (Video)

• Quick Facts of Iqbal Masih | The Story of The Brave Child

• Story Of Iqbal Masih's Life (Video)

• Short graphic novel about Iqbal’s life