PA panel seeks labour courts’ activation in 2 weeks

LAHORE – The Punjab Assembly's standing committee on labour and human resources has expressed serious concern over the non-functional status of the labour court, despite the approval of the relevant bill. The committee, chaired by MPA Amjad Ali Javed, directed the labour department to activate the court within two weeks and submit a compliance report.

Committee members noted that workers are unaware of the difficulties they face due to the non-functioning court. The committee emphasized the need for the implementation of labour laws and protection of workers' rights, as well as measures for timely wage payments across the province. They also questioned the measures taken to safeguard industrial workers' health and sought details of salary payments to workers under the Suthra Punjab programme and other departments.

The committee inquired whether workers across Punjab were being paid wages in line with the government's minimum wage. The committee directed that workers' salaries should be paid through bank accounts to ensure transparency and timely disbursement. They plan to summon health department authorities at their next meeting to discuss measures for workers' healthcare.

Members of the provincial assembly, the labour and human resources secretary, and other senior officials attended the meeting.