By Syed Tauqeer Zaidi
PESHAWAR: Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi said on Labour Day that workers formed the backbone of national development and prosperity, paying tribute to their role in building the economy and supporting public life.
In a message issued on 1 May, he said Labour Day reminded the world of the dignity and struggle of workers who silently contributed to running the economy, constructing cities and laying the foundations of development. He added that behind every building, road and institution stood the hard work and sacrifices of labourers, which he described as the nation’s greatest strength.
He said sustainable development goals could only be achieved by ensuring the welfare and protection of workers. He added that the provincial government remained committed to improving the living standards of the labour class in line with the vision of Imran Khan, and several initiatives were already under way.
Highlighting welfare measures, the chief minister said significant funds were being allocated for educational scholarships for workers’ children, dowry grants, death grants and other support programmes. He said 2,056 flats had been completed in the Regi Lalma Labour Complex and would soon be allotted to industrial workers.
He said under the Khushal Pakhtunkhwa programme, children of labourers were being trained in Chinese language, artificial intelligence and other modern skills. He added that financial assistance was also being provided for transport, uniforms and books for students enrolled in Workers Welfare Board schools.
Afridi said strict implementation of the minimum wage set by the provincial government was being ensured, while efforts were under way to improve social security registration so workers could access their legal rights and be protected from exploitation. He said instructions had also been issued to increase the number of labour courts.
Concluding his message, he said these initiatives reflected the government’s commitment to workers’ welfare and more steps would follow in the future. He called labourers the true identity and valuable asset of society.
He urged all sections of society to recognise and respect the contribution of workers and to work collectively for a province where hard work is honoured and workers are protected, adding that stronger and more secure workers formed the foundation of a stronger nation.
