Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday unveiled an ambitious PKR 84 billion labour welfare package to mark International Workers’ Day, terming it a “historic step” towards uplifting the working class across the province.
In her special message, CM Maryam Nawaz paid tribute to the contributions of labourers, miners, and daily wage earners, calling them “friends of Allah” and the backbone of the nation. “We deeply respect and honour every worker for their invaluable service,” she said.
Under the new reforms, registered workers and miners will receive a monthly subsidy of PKR 3,000 through ration cards. Additionally, 13 new welfare benefits have been announced, including digital cash transfers, advance salary payments, and Labour Day bonuses issued via JS Bank cards.
The package also includes major initiatives in healthcare and housing. The chief minister inaugurated 50-bed social security hospitals in Kasur and Sargodha, with another facility planned in Rahim Yar Khan. Plans are also underway to establish ‘Wellness Centres’ in three cities and a 200-bed Cardiac City in Lahore, exclusively for industrial workers. Moreover, teleclinics will be launched to connect workers with top medical specialists virtually.
On the housing front, Maryam Nawaz inaugurated a labour colony in Taxila and a Welfare Complex in Sundar Industrial Estate. She also announced the second phase of a housing project in Multan and plans for a new labour colony in Warburton.
Recognising the needs of working women, the government will establish 300 day-care centres in factories across Punjab.
Maryam Nawaz further affirmed her government’s commitment to ensuring the strict enforcement of the minimum wage, marking it as a first for the province.
“The dignity of labour must translate into tangible support and protection,” she stated, adding that the government is taking practical steps to improve the quality of life for all workers in Punjab.
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