JI urges govt to adopt new national labour policy

LAHORE : Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Sirajul Haq, following a National Labour Federation meeting at Mansoorah, urged the government to adopt a new national labour policy, emphasising the implementation of international labour conventions.

Talking to media after participation in the meeting on Saturday, he stressed the importance of collaborative efforts involving all stakeholders in shaping this policy. He also advocated for the regularisation of contract employees and daily wagers, rejecting the privatization of national institutions. Highlighting concerns about a perceived rigged election, Haq said the NLF with over 10 million labourers rejected the elections as rigged. He called for a judicial investigation into the election results and the resignation of the chief election commissioner.

Siraj emphasised the state's responsibility for the education and welfare of families of deceased labourers, urging free provision of basic facilities, health insurance, safety measures, and children's education for the labour class. Additionally, he proposed that labourers receive a share of factory profits, while farmers should be entitled to a fair share in land production.

The JI chief criticised the government formed on what he deemed a fake mandate, expressing doubt about its ability to address the country's challenges. He condemned violence against those who were protesting against rigging. He affirmed JI's commitment to the struggle for civilian supremacy and the preservation of its rightful election mandate. Later, addressing the JI women chapter Majlis-e-Shura, Siraj vowed the party's continued advocacy for women's rights granted by Islam, noting an increased JI vote bank among women due to the efforts of the women's chapter.