Sindh Labour Department, Industry Seek Stronger Coordination

Sindh Labour and Human Resources Secretary Sajid Jamal Abro has stressed stronger coordination between industry and the Labour Department.

He said better coordination is vital for economic growth and industrial development.

Abro made the remarks during a visit to the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI).

He said the Sindh government is maintaining regular engagement with industrialists.

The aim is to promote industry and create more employment opportunities.

At the same time, the government seeks to protect workers’ rights and improve working conditions.

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Abro said the government wants to facilitate industrialists while protecting workers.

He said poor coordination among stakeholders often creates unnecessary problems.

However, regular consultation can help resolve these issues.

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The Labour Secretary urged industrialists to report any harassment by labour officers directly to him.

He clarified that labour officers cannot conduct more than two surveys in a year.

Abro also announced a zero-tolerance policy against corruption.

Furthermore, a Labour Department focal person will be appointed at KATI on the association’s request.

One-Window Labour System Planned

The Labour Secretary said the Sindh government is working on a one-window system for labour-related matters.

An online portal is also being developed.

The measures are expected to reduce difficulties for both industrialists and workers.

Meanwhile, Abro said hospitals operating under the Sindh Employees’ Social Security Institution (SESSI) have also improved.

He said strict enforcement of child labour laws is continuing across Sindh.

Violations will face immediate action without discrimination.

Abro said the Labour Department’s role extends beyond law enforcement.

It also includes maintaining industrial peace and improving employer-employee relations.

The department must also support employment and workers’ welfare.

KATI Calls for Integrated Labour System

KATI President Muhammad Ikram Rajput welcomed stronger coordination with the Labour Department.

He said regular engagement could help resolve labour disputes quickly.

It could also prevent disruptions to industrial production.

Rajput called for a one-window or integrated system for labour matters.

The system should cover registration, inspections, wages and other legal requirements.

He said such a system would reduce difficulties for businesses and the department.

Rajput also raised complaints about inappropriate behaviour by some Labour Department officials.

He urged the department to take action against officials involved in harassment.

He called for the matter to be addressed in consultation with industry.

Industry Faces Multiple Challenges

Rajput said Karachi’s industrial sector plays a major role in the national economy.

It contributes significantly to exports and employment.

However, industries face several challenges.

These include high energy costs and inflation.

Rising business expenses are another concern.

Industrialists also face difficulties in dealing with various government departments.

Rajput proposed appointing a Labour Department focal person at KATI.

The official could help resolve issues more efficiently.

The focal person could also guide KATI members about registration procedures and labour laws.

He further proposed a joint coordination committee.

The committee could include KATI and relevant Sindh government departments.

It would review industrial issues and ensure timely follow-up.

The mechanism could also help prevent unnecessary disruptions to industrial activities.

Technical Training Should Match Industry Needs

Rajput also called for industry-focused technical training.

He said training programmes should reflect the actual needs of KATI industries.

This would help young people develop relevant skills.

It could also improve their chances of securing industrial jobs.

Rajput stressed that education should lead to employable skills.

He suggested regular monthly or quarterly meetings between the government and KATI.

Such meetings could review progress on outstanding issues.

Zahid Saeed Seeks Industry Consultation

KATI Standing Committee and KITE Limited Chairman Zahid Saeed also stressed regular consultation.

He said Karachi’s industries are major sources of employment and export earnings.

Therefore, government policy decisions should involve industrial stakeholders.

Saeed said labour laws should protect workers’ rights.

They should also promote industrial peace.

For this reason, industrialists should be consulted during implementation.

He highlighted another challenge involving employment requirements for persons with disabilities.

Saeed said industries are required to employ qualified persons with disabilities.

However, the availability of suitable candidates remains limited.

He called for joint efforts to address the issue.

He also recommended awareness sessions for industrialists and institutions.

Proposal for Employee Health Card

Saeed proposed healthcare facilities for employees on a takaful-based model.

He also urged the government to introduce a health card for workers.

The card could allow employees to receive treatment at hospitals across Pakistan.

Saeed said the industrial sector is ready to cooperate with the government.

He said industry would continue supporting workers’ welfare and industrial development.

KATI President Muhammad Ikram Rajput later presented a shield to Labour and Human Resources Secretary Sajid Jamal Abro.

Other officials and industrialists also attended the meeting.