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The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has called for raising the minimum wage to Rs75,000. The demand aims to provide relief to salaried individuals and daily wage laborers. HRCP also urged effective enforcement of labor laws across all sectors.
According to a report by media, HRCP leaders and other speakers made this appeal during a program held in Hyderabad. A documentary on “The Right to a Living Wage” was also screened at the event.
The program was part of an HRCP campaign focused on labor rights. Several activists working for workers’ welfare participated in the session.
In their speeches, HRCP representatives criticized the current minimum wage as insufficient. They stressed the need to increase it to Rs75,000 per month. According to them, a five-member family cannot afford basic needs like food, education, and healthcare with the current wage.
HRCP Hyderabad coordinator Ghafarana Arain emphasized that the Rs75,000 wage notification should apply to all sectors. She pointed out that inflation is rising daily. Meanwhile, the salaried class bears the burden of harsh terms set by financial institutions, which the government continues to accept.
Speakers and activists demanded the strict implementation of all labor laws.
They criticized ruling elites for increasing their own salaries and perks by 600pc. In contrast, laborers are denied the right to a basic living wage. The wealthy and powerful enjoy generous privileges.
Read More: Working women in Pakistan earn 25pc less than men: Report
They added that lower-grade employees are denied raises due to conditions imposed by international financial institutions.
Advocate Mir Ahmed Mangrio stated that federal policies aim to weaken provincial rights. In Sindh, the private sector prefers hiring workers from other provinces. Local residents are deprived of job opportunities.
He also highlighted that inflation remains unchecked. The government shows no concern for how it affects low-income groups. He noted that the government is not serious about enforcing minimum wage notifications. Even Rs40,000 per month is not enough in the current economic climate.
Kashif Bajir, a development sector worker, revealed that child labor is still ongoing despite legal prohibitions. Cases of forced labor are increasing, but laws are not being enforced.
He noted that over 60pc of the country’s labor force works under a contract system. Worker rights can only be protected through strong labor unions.
Jamila Latif, leader of the Domestic Women Workers’ Union, said women in this sector also need powerful unions. She demanded immediate formation of such a body.
She shared that when she and other bangle factory workers tried to form a union, contractors issued threats. Still, the union was formed and now fights for women laborers’ rights.
HRCP Council Member Saleem Jarwar said enforcing all labor protection laws is essential. Forming unions is crucial to safeguard workers’ rights. Without unions, their problems will remain unresolved.
At the end of the program, participants held a protest to press for their demands.
