Peshawar
Like other parts of the country, Labour Day was observed with enthusiasm in Peshawar to commemorate International Labour Day. In this regard, the Labour Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa organized a dignified ceremony in Peshawar.
The event was attended by Secretary Workers Welfare Board Muhammad Tufail Khattak, Additional Secretary Labour Khaliq Dad, Director Labour Irfanullah, Vice Commissioner of Employees Social Security Institution (ESSI) Khurshid Alam, Director Admin WWB Mr. Saifullah Zafar, presidents of workers’ unions, representatives of industrialists, and a large number of labourers.
Speaking on the occasion, Secretary WWB said that Labour Day is being observed around the world to commemorate the sacrifices and struggles of workers for their rights. He emphasized that the country’s economy thrives due to the contributions of workers and their role in economic development is undeniable.
He added that the WWB, Directorate of Labour, and ESSI are working tirelessly for the welfare and well-being of workers, and meaningful reforms are being undertaken to improve their quality of life.
He informed that so far this year, WWB has distributed Rs. 720 million in scholarships to workers’ children, provided Rs. 130 million in dowry grants to 341 families, and issued death grants to 44 families, adding that 10 workers are being sent for Hajj this year free of cost.
Vice Commissioner ESSI highlighted the healthcare facilities provided to workers at ESSI hospitals. He said that all medical services are now available at the click of a button through the Health Information Management System (HIMS).
The Additional Secretary, in his address, said that the Directorate of Labour has taken effective steps for the welfare of workers. “A working group has been formed for the Child Labour Policy, which will soon present its recommendations,” he said, adding that the department has been digitalized, and relief is being provided to workers through labour courts.
Workers’ representative, Razem, also addressed the gathering, shedding light on workers’ issues and the facilities being provided to them by the government.
