HRCP holds meeting; discusses labour issues in ICT.

ISLAMABAD -- Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) held a meeting here on Tuesday to discuss the issues facing working class in the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) and to analyze the legal and constitutional structure in place to deal with their rights and liabilities. The event was attended by human rights activists, trade union leaders, teachers, labour groups and officials from ICT labour department.

The speakers included former senator and council member of HRCP Farhat Ullah Babar, HRCP council member Naseen Azhar; Director Labor Department ICT Mahreen Baloch; and former assistant advocate general Punjab Akram Khuram Advocate.

In her opening remarks, council member of HRCP Nasreen Azhar lamented that the working class in the country has been forced to work and live in a miserable conditions, but, the authorities continue to overlook their problems.

Director Labour Department ICT, Mahreen Baloch briefed the participants about the existing federal labour laws and policies which have been devised to safeguard the legal and constitutional rights of working class employed in federal industries.

She claimed that the labour department has been working to establish an online registration mechanism to create awareness among labour personnel about labour laws and policies.

She asked for necessary amendments in several laws to make them more effective and compliant with the international labour standards. She also urged the government to establish a centralized registration center, and center of excellence.

Former assistant advocate general Punjab, Akram Khuram apprised the participants that the country's labour laws and policies have not been in compatible with the ILO Conventions and protocols relating to working hours, wages for overtime, holidays, minimum wages, equal compensation disregard of gender, and occupational safety. The authorities concerned both at national and provincial levels must devise a robust mechanism for the enforcement of international and national labour laws and those found in violation of them must be made accountable and penalized for their wrongdoings to ensure the protection of rights of working class in the country.

The general secretary of Pakistan Workers...