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Amnesty International has revealed widespread abuse and discrimination against sanitary workers in Pakistan, especially those from religious minorities and so called lower castes.
The human rights group, in collaboration with the Centre for Law and Justice (CLJ), interviewed over 230 workers from six major cities.
The report found that most workers lacked job security, with only 44% in permanent roles and 45% without written contracts. Nearly 80% were never paid overtime, and over half earned less than the legal minimum wage.
Workers reported being denied protective gear, leading to serious health risks, and facing insults and segregation in public places due to their profession and religion. Many said they took these dangerous jobs because they had no other choice.
In Punjab, the government claims improvements through its program, including better salaries, uniforms, and modern cleaning equipment. Officials insist recruitment is no longer based on religion, though most applicants remain from minority communities.
Despite some positive steps, Amnesty says the lack of legal protections, unsafe conditions, and deep-rooted social prejudice continue to violate workers’ rights. Only one respondent out of 66 had heard of social protection schemes like EOBI or WWF.
The organization calls for urgent legal reforms, better enforcement of labor laws, and equal dignity for all workers regardless of their job or faith.
