Invitation to fix minimum monthly salary at Rs.32,000

PHOTO: FILE

KARACHI:

Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC) chairman Iqbal Detho underlined the importance of improving conditions for workers in the informal sector and called for the implementation of a minimum monthly wage of Rs 32,000 in the province. He also called for a comprehensive review of laws related to slavery and human trafficking in collaboration with the standing committees of the provincial assembly.

Detho addressed an interactive session with Sindh government stakeholders and experts from the United States on best practices to combat human trafficking and bonded labor in the province. The event, organized by the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO) in collaboration with the SHRC and the US Embassy, ​​took place on Friday.

Stressing that the Constitution prohibits slavery and human trafficking under Articles 3 and 11, Detho outlined the principles of policy on the matter. He also referred to the provisions of the Pakistan Penal Code relating to human trafficking, bonded labour, sexual exploitation and child labour.

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The SHRC aims to work with the standing committees of the Sindh Assembly to review and improve laws related to laborers and agricultural labourers. Empowered to review the law, the SHRC is seeking to advocate a wage hike from Rs 25,000 to Rs 32,000 through the Sindh Labor Department. Detho praised the department’s dedication to this cause.

Speaking at the summit, Joseph Salavarria, a former United States law enforcement officer and anti-trafficking in persons (TIP) expert, provided insight into the positive achievements that can be made.

The newly elected MPAs, including PPP’s Marvi Rashidi, MQM-P’s Ali Khursheedi and MQM-P’s advocate Sofia Shah, highlighted various issues that needed attention. They stressed the importance of raising awareness of the available acts and institutions dedicated to addressing these concerns, urging all political parties to prioritize this issue collectively.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 3^rd2024.