ISLAMABAD: Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration is in process of codifying four new labour laws to eliminate child labour from workshops, small roadside hotels and houses in the federal capital.
These laws are being codified with the assistance of International Labour Organisation (ILO), Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, and Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan.
The laws include Employment and Services Condition Act, Occupational Safety and Health Act, Trade Union Registration and Industrial Relations Act and Workers Social Security, Welfare and Compensation Act.
Official sources Monday said that draft of two laws, Employment and Services Conditions Act and Occupational Safety and Health Act, had been approved by Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development and the same are under consideration with Ministry of Interior for onward submission to National Assembly for legislation.
The sources said that a separate court had also been constituted in Islamabad for speedy trial of labour challans, while a vigilance committee is also working under the supervision of Islamabad deputy commissioner to prevent child labour at brick kilns.
Moreover, four teams – one labour officer and three labour inspectors of labour welfare department, Islamabad – have been constituted for inspection under various labour laws including child labour. They regularly visit their respective areas and prompt action is taken against the violators.
Replying to a question, the sources said that existing law did not cover domestic workers. Therefore, ICT administration could not inspect children working in houses.
However, four separate bills had been placed before the parliament on child protection and domestic workers.
