Karachi — Sindh Minister for Labour, Human Resources and Social Security Saeed Ghani has reaffirmed the Sindh government’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights and expanding welfare initiatives, as Pakistan marked International Labour Day on May 1.
In his message issued on the occasion, Saeed Ghani congratulated workers across the country and stated that the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) remains firmly committed to implementing its pro-labour manifesto focused on the welfare, protection, and empowerment of workers.
The provincial minister said the Sindh government has introduced and passed several landmark labour laws through the Sindh Assembly that distinguish the province from others in terms of labour rights legislation. He highlighted that Sindh became the first province to provide women agricultural workers and home-based workers with the legal right to form unions and organize for the protection of their interests.
Saeed Ghani further stated that the Sindh government has already approved legislation under the Universalization of Social Security initiative, aimed at extending social protection beyond industrial workers to include all categories of labourers working in both formal and informal sectors.
According to the minister, the initiative will bring rickshaw and taxi drivers, domestic workers, cooks, gardeners, shop employees, and other daily wage earners into the social security network. Registered workers and their families will be provided access to free healthcare and educational facilities under the expanded welfare framework.
He said the foundation of the Pakistan Peoples Party was laid by former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on the principles of labour empowerment and social justice. He added that the vision continues to be carried forward by former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, President Asif Ali Zardari, and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari.
The labour minister also announced that the issuance of the Benazir Bhutto Mazdoor Card is ongoing. In the first phase, registered industrial workers are receiving the cards, while future phases will expand coverage to workers from other sectors.
Concluding his message, Saeed Ghani stated that the Pakistan Peoples Party has always stood alongside the working class and will continue striving to ensure workers receive their lawful rights and protections.
