LAHORE – Punjab Minister for Labour, Aukaf and Religious Affairs Haji Ehsanuddin Qureshi has said that the government was committed to improve condition of labourers which was evident from projects like Labour Colonies, Welfare Schools and Satellite Clinics.
Prominent labour leaders including Khursheed Ahmed, Rubina Jamil, Ghulam Fatima, Farooq Chohan and Yousaf Baloch stressed upon the government to give rights and ensure provision of necessary facilities to labourers as given by the developed countries.
Speaking at a discussion jointly organized by Nawa-i-Waqt, The Nation and Waqt TV at Aiwan-i-Waqt on Monday in connection with International Labour Day, Ehsanuddin Qureshi said that the Punjab Chief Minister would distribute keys of flats among allottees of Labour Colony on the eve of International Labour Day. He said that 1296 flat colony has been constructed on 47 acre land on Defense Road at a cost of Rs 2177 million to ensure provision of quality residential facilities to the labourers.
Khursheed Ahmed stressed upon the government to devise policy for economic self reliance, improve law and order situation, take measures to overcome energy crises and give due rights to the labourers.
Yousaf Baloch demanded minimum wages of Rs 20000 per month for labourers in private sector.
Rubina Jamil urged the rulers to stop privatization of institutions, implement agriculture reforms and distribute government land among landless farmers.
Ghulam Fatima stressed upon implementing minimum wages law, basic facilities to brick kiln workers and their inclusion in labour colony scheme.