International Workers’ Day: Punjab CM announces Rs84bn labour welfare package

LAHORE: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz on Wednesday paid rich tribute to the working class in her message marking the International Workers’ Day, announcing a comprehensive Rs84 billion package for labour welfare across the province.

“I salute the greatness of every worker, miner, and labourer,” she said. “A labourer is a friend of Allah Almighty, and we deeply respect and honour them for their service to the nation.”

Highlighting the government’s initiatives, the CM announced that under the Labour Day package, miners and workers will receive a monthly subsidy of Rs3,000 through ration cards. In addition, 13 more benefits will be provided, including digital cash transfers, advance salaries, and Labour Day prizes via JS Bank cards.

Maryam Nawaz also shared a series of healthcare and housing projects aimed at improving the lives of workers. She announced that 50-bed social security hospitals have been inaugurated in Kasur and Sargodha, while another is planned for Rahim Yar Khan. Furthermore, state-of-the-art ‘Wellness Centres’ will be established in three cities for worker welfare.

In a landmark healthcare initiative, she revealed plans to establish a 200-bed modern Cardiac City in Lahore exclusively for workers. She also announced the launch of Teleclinics’ to provide virtual access to

top-tier medical professionals.

On the housing front, the chief minister announced the inauguration of a labour colony in Taxila and a Workers Welfare Complex in Sundar Industrial Estate.

She also unveiled plans for a new labour colony in Warburton and the second phase of an existing project in Multan.

To support female workers, the government is building 300 Day-care Centres in factories across Punjab.

“For the first time, payment of the minimum wage is being strictly ensured across the province,” she added.