Khuhro announces Sindh Labour Policy 2018

• Minister says new labour would help achieve economic development goals

Sindh Senior Minister Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, Information, Labour and Transport Minister Syed Nasir Hussain Shah, along with the representatives of workers and employees, formally announced the province’s first ever tripartite labour policy on Saturday.

Addressing a press conference, Nisar Ahmed Khuhro said that PPP is the only party of the country working for the protection of the rights of workers and who raised its voice for the oppressed at all levels even during dictatorial rule. He said that on February 10, 1972, former prime minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto announced the first labour policy of the country and gave real protection to the workers but unfortunately it was not continued after his execution. The present leadership, however, followed his philosophy and announced the first ever tripartite labour policy of Sindh in true letter and spirit.

Khuhro further said that the key to progress is the prosperity of the people and this can only be made possible through economic development. He further said that the reason for announcing a labour policy was to ensure that these goals are met since Sindh is an industrial hub and mega economic zone of the country.

He said that Sindh has always taken initiatives in every sector and has led the other provinces in this regard. Referring to the persecution of his party’s members, he said that they have been subject to imprisonment and previously have been restricted from observing labour day but they overcame all the challenges and continued the struggle for the oppressed class of the country.

Talking about the existing labour laws in the country, he said that if the country had friendly labour laws, a fast pace could be developed for industrial progress in Sindh. He said that Sindh government was taking historical steps towards the 14 labour laws for which the labour department and its team must be appreciated.

“We acknowledge the efforts of all stakeholders, workers and employers who gave a comprehensive and strong labour policy which would protect the rights of industrial, agriculture and home-based workers,” he said, “Those workers would be allowed to form unions in industrial units to resolve their issues.”

He also said that the new labour policy will also curb gender discrimination.

Discussing the future course of action, he said that they would work on the legislation in the policy to make any amends if required.

“Pakistan People’s Party (PPP) is ready to do that with the help of all stakeholders and appreciate Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah and Syed Nasir Hussain Shah for providing an opportunity to announce a historical labour policy,” he said.

Referring to the federal government, he condemned those who destroyed national institutions, including Pakistan Steel Mills and Pakistan International Airlines (PIA).

Earlier Sindh Minister for Labour and Information Syed Nasir Hussain Shah highlighted and described the salient features of the new labour policy and said that PPP has proved that it is the only party to have taken such initiatives for the well-being of every segment of the society, especially the labourers. He added that this was the reason why they chose to announce the new labour policy on the same day former premier Zulfikar Ali Bhutto had announced the first labour policy of the country in 1972.

He also thanked all the members of the tripartite committee members and offered his full support and cooperation in the future for the benefit of the people of Sindh.