Former bonded labour Veeru Kohli, who campaigned against slavery, has passed away. She ran as an independent candidate in the Hyderabad provincial elections in 2013.

“HRCP is grieved to learn that labour rights activist Veeru Kohli has passed away,” the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter.

As a former bonded labourer herself, it added Veeru spent almost 25 years working to free bonded labourers in Sindh and helped flood-affected farmers rebuild their homes in Mirpurkhas.

“Ms Kohli’s struggle inspired scores of labour rights activists not only in Pakistan, but also abroad. We express our deepest condolences to her family, friends and fellow activists.”

Moreover, Aurat March organisers said that they were grieved over the loss of Kohli. “A generous & loving woman w/ a great sense of humor, her lifelong feminist struggle for workers’ rights will continue to inspire generations.”