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Workers’ plight
The Punjab government’s recent introduction of the Punjab Labour Code 2024 has sparked widespread outrage among labour organizations across the province. The government had promised amendments to labour laws that would safeguard workers’ rights, but the new regulations have instead opened the door to greater exploitation and insecurity for the working class. These concerns, raised by labour organizations, reflect a profound betrayal of the promises made to the working people of Punjab.
In her message on World Day for Safety and Health at the Workplace, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif affirmed her government’s commitment to the health, welfare and safety of every worker in Punjab. However, the introduction of this new labour code contradicts that commitment. What was intended to be a consolidation of labour laws from the past ten decades has instead become a tool for weakening the rights of workers.
Pakistan’s labor landscape is rife with injustices, with minimum wage violations, inhumane conditions and widespread child and bonded labour. Workers are often fired for demanding their rights, forced to endure uncomfortable environments and denied fair pay for overtime. Contractual employees live in constant fear of job loss, while the informal sector exploits workers with impunity.
Each year, on May 1, Labour Day is marked by hollow tributes from leaders who fail to take meaningful action to improve workers’ lives. Pakistan’s poor and middle-class citizens continue to struggle, while the ruling elite must recognize that the country cannot be governed solely for their benefit. The government has a fundamental responsibility to protect workers and the judiciary must address the miserable conditions faced by those earning their “Rozi, Roti,” especially in private organizations.
QAZI JAMSHED SIDDIQUI
Lahore
Pak cricket
Test woes
The year 2024 has been a nightmare for Pakistan cricket, with the team struggling in both white and red ball formats. The Test cricket record is particularly dismal, as Pakistan has failed to secure a single win in their last 10 home matches, suffering five losses and managing only four draws. The last home Test victory dates back to 2021, marking a prolonged period of decline.
Under the leadership of Shan Masood, Pakistan has yet to secure a Test win, adding to the mounting frustration. The recent series against Bangladesh at Rawalpindi only added to the misery, with Pakistan losing both Tests. The team’s shortcomings are evident across all areas: ineffective bowling, reckless batting, poor fielding and questionable team selections. Lack of strategic planning and inadequate pitch assessment further highlight the absence of direction and preparation.
These consistent failures have drained the joy out of following Pakistan cricket. As I write this, my own interest in the national team has dwindled to almost nothing. The broader love for the game is fading among fans, who once found their greatest joy and hope in cricket. This heartbreak has been brought about by poor management from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), ineffective leadership and underwhelming performances from the players. Every member of the setup shares responsibility for this decline.
Pakistan cricket stands at a critical juncture. To regain the trust and passion of millions of fans, a comprehensive overhaul is necessary. Without significant introspection and commitment to change, the future of Pakistan cricket remains bleak, and the hopes of a nation will continue to be dashed.
MOIN AHMED AWAN
Kandhkot, Sindh
Rain havoc
in Kandhkot
The rainy season is commonly regarded as a blessing, but for the residents of Kandhkot, it has become a nightmare. The recent heavy monsoon rains have devastated the city, causing widespread flooding and significant road damage. Potholes have appeared everywhere, making travel difficult and hazardous. Stagnant water has provided ideal breeding ground for diseases such as malaria and dengue fever, posing significant health concerns to the community.
Despite these issues, there has been little response from the government. The city’s insufficient drainage system allows rainwater to remain on the streets for weeks, interrupting daily life and making it difficult for children to attend school. The lack of investment in infrastructure and public health has only exacerbated the problem.
In addition to these problems, law and order has gotten worse, with dacoits wandering the streets openly and endangering the citizens’ safety. The city’s residents feel abandoned by their representatives, who haven’t taken any action to make things better. I implore the assembly members to travel to Kandhkot so they may personally assess the situation.
To guarantee public safety, repair the infrastructure and enhance drainage, immediate action is required. In order to assist the impacted families and compensate those who have lost their houses and possessions, the authorities must intervene.
MOIN AHMED AWAN
Kandhkot, Sindh
