Famous Pakistani Clothing Brands Involved in Labour Rights Violations

A new report by the Labour Education Foundation and Dutch rights body Arisa has found widespread labour rights violations in Pakistan’s textile recycling industry, raising serious concerns over the human cost behind global fast fashion brands’ sustainability claims.

The study, which examined 20 leading international fashion brands, said most companies selling garments made from recycled textiles have little to no visibility into the working conditions or wages of workers handling textile waste in their supply chains.

According to the report, this gap sharply contradicts the industry’s growing “circular economy” and sustainability narrative.

Field research conducted in Pakistan, particularly in Faisalabad and Karachi, found workers facing exploitative wages, unsafe workplaces, and excessively long working hours, often up to 12 hours a day, seven days a week. Many workers reportedly lack formal contracts, payslips, job security, and social protection.

The report also highlighted serious health and safety concerns, including constant exposure to dust, heat, toxic chemicals, and dangerous machinery without proper training or protective equipment. Researchers said these conditions have led to respiratory illnesses, skin irritation, eye problems, and increased injury risks.

A significant portion of the workforce was found to consist of migrants and people from marginalized communities, with some instances of child labour also documented. The report said limited employment alternatives often force workers to accept exploitative conditions.

The organisations have urged global fashion brands to map their full recycling supply chains and ensure safe working conditions and living wages, warning that environmental sustainability cannot come at the expense of basic human rights.