Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has outlined the province’s labour reforms during a meeting with a senior ILO delegation. The delegation was led by International Labour Organization Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo.
Maryam Nawaz welcomed the delegation and discussed measures focused on the welfare and well-being of workers. The talks covered labour laws, ration cards, labour colonies and other worker welfare initiatives.
Maryam Nawaz Highlights Punjab’s Labour Initiatives
During the meeting, Maryam Nawaz briefed the ILO delegation about Punjab’s initiatives for industrial workers. She also highlighted measures aimed at improving social security, housing and education for workers’ children.
The ILO Director-General appreciated the province’s initiative to provide ration cards to labourers and workers. He also commended the plan to allot apartments to industrial workers.
Moreover, Houngbo congratulated Maryam Nawaz on receiving the UN-Habitat Scroll of Honour Award. He also paid tribute to the Punjab chief minister.
Maryam Nawaz said the Labour Code 2026 seeks to increase minimum wages and formally register labourers. She also highlighted efforts to ensure strict implementation of labour laws.
Punjab Steps Up Efforts Against Child Labour
The chief minister said Punjab is establishing special helplines and rehabilitation centres to eliminate child labour. Meanwhile, the Punjab Employees Social Security Institution is working to provide healthcare facilities.
Maryam Nawaz said the Punjab Labour Code was implemented in 2026 following approval by the provincial cabinet. She added that labour law enforcement and social security measures are producing results.
According to the chief minister, more than 70,000 cases of forced child labour were identified across Punjab. As a result of efforts to address the issue, 3,644 children were sent to school.
She also said minimum wage payments were ensured for 4.9 million workers during the past three years. Meanwhile, authorities registered 752 FIRs against violators.
Thousands of Labour Inspections Conducted
Punjab has also increased workplace inspections to review compliance with occupational safety and health laws. Maryam Nawaz said authorities conducted 42,858 inspections.
During these inspections, 22,547 advisory notices were issued, according to the chief minister. These measures form part of wider efforts to improve workplace safety across the province.
The Maryam Nawaz Ration Card has also provided benefits to industrial workers. According to Maryam Nawaz, 1.2 million industrial workers received benefits worth Rs3.7 billion.
LIMS Targets Wages, Child Labour and Workplace Safety
Maryam Nawaz said efforts to regulate wages and curb child labour are continuing through the Labour Information Management System. The system focuses on several key areas.
These include enforcing minimum wage laws, eliminating child labour and ensuring occupational safety and health standards. In addition, LIMS has improved coordination between labour inspectors and Rescue 1122.
The system enables immediate coordination during industrial accidents, helping connect labour inspectors with emergency response services.
Meanwhile, the Labour Department’s helpline 1314 operates around the clock. The service aims to support the safety and well-being of industrial workers.
New Occupational Safety Centres Planned
The Punjab government is establishing new centres dedicated to occupational health and safety. These centres will be located in Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan, Gujranwala, Rawalpindi and Rahim Yar Khan.
Maryam Nawaz also announced plans for Pakistan’s first Occupational Safety and Health laboratory in Lahore. The facility is expected to be established this year.
Meanwhile, the OSH laboratory in Faisalabad will be completed by the end of the year, she said.
The provincial government is also working to increase women’s participation in private factories and offices. For this purpose, 577 day-care centres are being established under the Directorate General of Labour Welfare.
Punjab Seeks ILO Support on Global Labour Standards
Labour market research cells and employment facilitation centres will also be established in several Punjab cities. The planned locations include Lahore, Gujranwala, Multan and Rawalpindi.
These facilities are expected to be established over the next two years. The government also aims to support employers in meeting labour law requirements.
Maryam Nawaz said the Punjab government is committed to assisting employers with compliance. She also sought ILO assistance in incorporating global labour standards into economic development and supply chains.
The meeting therefore placed worker welfare, labour law enforcement and workplace safety at the centre of discussions. The ILO Director-General also appreciated the significant increase in workers’ welfare grants.
Punjab’s labour reforms now cover wage regulation, child labour, occupational safety and social security. At the same time, the government is seeking international support to strengthen labour standards and worker welfare.
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