Maryam Nawaz Orders Minimum Wage, Approves Labour Welfare Projects

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed the relevant authorities to ensure the enforcement of the minimum monthly wage across the province. Chairing a special meeting to approve key welfare projects for labourers, she emphasized the importance of improving workers’ conditions and ensuring they are paid fairly.

The CM ordered that all workers in Punjab must receive a minimum monthly wage of Rs37,000. She also requested Punjab’s Labour Minister Faisal Ayub Khokhar to present a comprehensive plan for establishing labour colonies throughout the province.

In addition to this, Maryam Nawaz called for the enhancement of social security hospitals and the establishment of wellness centers for pre-screening in Lahore, Rawalpindi, and Islamabad. The meeting also approved the construction of a 200-bed Rehmat-ul-Alameen Cardiology Centre on Defence Road in Lahore and a 50-bed social security hospital in Rahim Yar Khan.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister issued directives to amend labour laws to further promote the welfare of workers. She reiterated her commitment to creating a model province for the welfare of labourers, stating, “Labourers are the friends of Allah, and we cannot displease them.”

Addressing the concerns of the working class, President Asif Ali Zardari, in his speech during the joint session of parliament, highlighted the severe economic challenges faced by the common man, labourers, and salaried individuals in Pakistan. He urged the government to take measures in the upcoming budget to raise salaries and pensions, reduce income tax on the salaried class, and lower energy costs. Zardari also stressed the importance of job creation over job cuts and emphasized the need for utilizing a trained workforce to boost the economy.

Read more: President Asif Ali Zardari Addresses Parliament, Calls for Unity and National Progress

The initiatives reflect the provincial government’s strong focus on improving the welfare of labourers and addressing economic hardships across the country.