Three Christian families in Pakistan have been freed from generational bondage after an Argentine priest and a young layman paid for their release.

This is a new milestone in a mission that has liberated more than 200 believers since 2024, according to the Catholic News Agency (CNA). 

Father Federico Higton said he travelled “with the sole purpose of freeing Christian slaves” and explained he had brought “about £2,370” to buy their freedom from Muslim businessmen.

The priest, who belongs to the Order of St. Elias, said he paid the equivalent of £1,345 to release the three families, who had been trapped in debt bondage and denied access to church life.

He told CNA that these Christians were “born into slavery”, had “never known freedom”, and that he baptised them on the day they were liberated.

Christians in Pakistan had endured generational forced labour, rape, forced marriage and forced conversion, particularly in brick kilns, according to reports by CNA.

The United Nations estimated that between 3.5M and 5M people were trapped in bonded labour across the country.

Father Rico travelled with Diego, a young Spaniard who returned to the faith in 2024.

The pair freed 200 people last year and 110 people in 2025. Diego said many former slaves “didn’t know what it was like to be human” and emphasised the need to help them “live in peace, practise Christianity, and raise their children”.

The priest launched a project called PaX to help freed families rebuild their lives through shelter, work and faith, with the first community planned for 300 to 400 people.  

Diego revealed construction was already under way, although locations remained undisclosed for safety reasons.