The Government of Sindh is leading efforts toconsolidate and simplify labour laws and ensure they comply withInternational Labour Standards through social dialogue.Geir Tonstol, the International Labour Organization (ILO) CountryDirector for Pakistan met with Syed Murad Ali Shah, the Chief Ministerof Sindh, on Friday, 31 May 2024 to update on progress.The ILO responded to the request for technical assistance from theGovernment of Sindh province in drafting a Labour Code that would helpto consolidate, simplify and rationalize existing labour laws, andcomply with International Labour Standards through social dialogue.Currently, 21 labour laws address different aspects of labour relationsin Sindh, creating difficulties in understanding the legal framework onlabour relations and its implementation for employers, workers and otherstakeholders.
The Government of Sindh believes that this initiative will facilitatethe understanding and implementation of the labour legislation for allparties involved. It is expected to improve the country’s image in theglobal market, make the legal framework more transparent and clearer forforeign partners and investors, enhance enforcement, broaden coverageand strengthen the protection of workers.
Following the request of the Government of Sindh province, the ILOhelped bringing all existing labour laws into a single, modern andcomprehensive Labour Code that aligns with Pakistna’s internationalobligations.This effort was significantly advanced in Sindh on 27-31 May 2024,through the European Union-funded International Labour and EnvironmentStandards in Small and Medium Enterprises project. During this period,the draft Labour Code was presented by the Department of Labour andHuman Resource and the ILO to social partners and discussed withrepresentatives of employers and workers.
The Chief Minister of Sindh met with GeirTonstol to discuss progress onthe matter. Both the Chief Minister and MrTonstol highlighted thestrategic importance and relevance of the Labour Code as a way toprovide stronger regulatory stability to Sindh’s business environmentand create a good climate for investments, extending fundamental labourrights to all workers, including in the informal sector, strengtheningthe defence of fundamental principles at work and enhancing Pakistan’sability to comply with the international obligations of the country,including GSP+ commitments.
