ICCI urges for conducive labour policies to boost economy
- April 30, 2020
The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce & Industry has urged
the government to make conducive labour policies in order to improve the living
standards of labour class as better working conditions for labour would
accelerate the pace of economic activities and boost the growth of economy of
the country.
Muhammad Ahmed Waheed, President, Islamabad Chamber of Commerce &
Industry said that the economic progress and development achieved by Pakistan
so far was due to the relentless efforts of our labour class, which was essential
constituent of our economy. He stressed that government should make more
conducive policies for their wellbeing and welfare of labour force. He said the
Labour Day reminded the government that it should take better care of labour
class and take strong measures to improve their living standards. He said that
private sector was playing its positive role for improving the conditions of labour
as many industries in Islamabad have constructed labour colonies to provide
labourers proper housing besides contributing to meet their medical and
educational needs. However, he urged that government should make new
policies to provide labour class better housing, medical and education facilities.
ICCI President said that labour class was facing great problems these days in
Pakistan due to Covid-19 pandemic as businesses and industrial units were
closed and large number of daily wagers have lost their source of income. He
said that industrialists were providing them food and wages, however, without
opening industries, it was difficult to help them on long-term basis.
Muhammad Ahmed Waheed said that government has taken good decision by
opening construction industry in the country as this industry absorbs a large
number of labourers. However, he said that construction related industries in
Islamabad including steel have not been opened as yet nor SOPs for construction
sector have been finalized. He emphasized that SOPs for construction activities
should be finalized as soon as possible and all construction related industries
including steel, marble and others should be opened in the federal capital that
would provide employment to idle labour and contribute in reducing their
financial difficulties.