Workers’ rights protection top priority of KP government: Faisal Tarakai

HARIPUR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st May, 2026) Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Minister for Labour Faisal Khan Tarakai Friday said that protecting the rights of workers remains the top priority of the provincial government, as Labour Day symbolizes the global struggle for labour rights, social justice, and fair industrial relations.

Addressing a ceremony at Labour Colony Haripur, the minister said the global labour movement launched in 1889 played a historic role in securing basic labour standards, including the eight-hour working day, which continues to serve as a key benchmark for workers’ rights worldwide.

He said Islamic teachings also emphasize the timely payment of wages as a moral and legal obligation, reinforcing the importance of workers’ dignity.

Tarakai noted that rapid technological change, automation, and globalization have significantly reshaped labour markets, creating new economic and social challenges for the working class. He stressed the need for modern regulatory reforms, stronger enforcement mechanisms, and updated labour policies to address these issues.

The minister said that after the 18th Constitutional Amendment, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa introduced comprehensive labour laws under provincial autonomy, aligning them with International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions to ensure fairness and non-discrimination.

He added that the Labour Policy 2018 and Child Labour Elimination Policy 2018 provide a structured framework for workers’ welfare, while a Child Labour Elimination Action Plan 2025–2029 is also being implemented to eradicate child labour through a multi-sectoral approach.

Highlighting reforms, he said a socio-economic survey of brick kiln workers has been completed and will guide future policy decisions. Several development projects have also been approved under the Annual Development Programme to strengthen institutional capacity and meet GSP Plus standards.

Tarakai said the government is prioritizing minimum wage reforms, gender equality, minority rights, and elimination of workplace discrimination. He added that women labour inspectors have been appointed to improve oversight and ensure protection of female workers.

He further said that workers are being provided financial and medical support under social protection programs in cases of illness, workplace accidents, or death.

Referring to the recent incident in Hattar Industrial Zone, the minister announced compensation of Rs2.5 million for families of the deceased and Rs1 million for the injured, along with legal action against those responsible after investigation.

He also announced the establishment of a burn treatment unit, an accident response center, and approval of a new road in

the Hattar Industrial Estate to improve infrastructure.