The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has demanded a minimum wage of Rs75,000 for salaried and daily wage workers. They stressed that current wages are insufficient to cover basic living expenses. The demand was made during a program held in Hyderabad focused on workers’ right to a living wage. The event included speeches and a documentary highlighting labor issues. HRCP leaders and labor activists called for strict enforcement of labor laws alongside the wage increase.
HRCP’s Hyderabad coordinator, Gufrana Arain, emphasized that the Rs75,000 minimum wage should apply across all sectors. She noted that inflation is rising rapidly while workers bear the burden of financial institutions’ conditions accepted by the government. Speakers criticized the government for raising its officials’ salaries by 600% while neglecting workers’ basic wage rights. They condemned excuses about international financial institutions blocking wage hikes for low-income workers.
Advocate Mir Ahmad Mangrio accused the federal government of weakening provincial rights. He said Sindh’s private sector hires labor from other provinces, sidelining local workers. Mangrio also said there is no control on inflation and the government ignores its impact on low-income groups. He added that even Rs40,000 minimum wage is inadequate under current conditions and criticized the government’s lack of interest in enforcing minimum wage notifications.
Labor rights activists also raised issues of forced child labor, stating it continues despite existing laws. Over 60% of workers are employed under contract systems, making union strength vital for protecting labor rights. Jamila Latif, a leader of domestic women workers’ union, called for forming strong unions for women workers. She shared how they faced threats from contractors but succeeded in unionizing to fight for rights.
HRCP council member Saleem Jarwar highlighted the importance of implementing all labor laws effectively. He said unions are essential for resolving workers’ problems. The event ended with a protest demanding the government meet their wage and labor rights demands. Other prominent activists including Imdad Chandio, Pushpa Kumari, and Bota Imtiaz also participated.