Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has issued immediate directives for the registration of workers employed in shops, workshops, and small-scale enterprises throughout the province.
The directive was issued during a high-level meeting with Punjab Labour Minister Faisal Ayub Khokhar, where the Chief Minister emphasized the urgent need to bring unregistered workers into the fold of formal labour support structures.
Maryam Nawaz Sharif underlined that no further delay would be tolerated in implementing this registration initiative.
Mass Worker Registration Drive to Begin Without Delay
The Chief Minister instructed authorities to implement the minimum wage law across all commercial establishments, including petrol pumps, factories, and retail outlets.
This initiative is expected to change the landscape of labour governance in Punjab. For the first time, workers in unregulated, small-scale employment will be formally registered.
This card will provide subsidized food supplies and essential commodities to registered workers and their families.
The Chief Minister emphasized that this program will be digital, transparent, and inclusive, ensuring no deserving worker is left behind. The ration card system will link with the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) to prevent fraud and duplicate entries.
The use of digital tools and mobile applications will be prioritized to accelerate the registration process. Teams are being trained to visit remote locations, collect biometric data, and onboard workers into the system in real-time.
Public Awareness Campaigns to Educate Workers
Recognizing the need for public cooperation, the Punjab government is preparing an extensive awareness campaign to inform both employers and employees about the benefits of registration and legal wage compliance.
This strict enforcement mechanism is expected to bring transparency, accountability, and fairness to the labour sector.
By incorporating informal workers into the official system, Punjab is poised to unlock significant economic and social benefits.
The reforms will also improve industrial productivity by ensuring healthier, better-protected, and more motivated workers, thereby strengthening Punjab’s economic foundation.
Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif’s bold labour reforms are being hailed as a watershed moment for worker rights in Pakistan. Her administration’s focus on justice, equity, and welfare is setting a new precedent for inclusive governance.
