(Publish from Houston Texas USA)
(Writer: Nazia Naz, Defender & International researcher on human Rights)
As a researcher, I recently completed the Business and Human Rights (BHR) course at the Geneva Academy, which gave me a deeper understanding of international labour standards and human rights frameworks. Since then, I have been actively working on labour rights issues in Pakistan, with a particular focus on child labour, bonded labour, and the conditions of industrial workers. My field visits across several industries allowed me to meet thousands of workers, providing first-hand insight into their struggles.
One of the most surprising findings was that nearly 98% of industrial workers were unaware of Pakistan’s National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights, which aligns with the region’s commitments in South-East Asia. This lack of awareness highlights a critical gap in outreach and education about workers’ rights. When workers do not know their entitlements, they cannot demand fair treatment, making them vulnerable to exploitation and abuse.
During my visits, I observed widespread negligence and weak enforcement of labour laws. While Pakistan has passed numerous legislations to protect workers, implementation remains a major challenge. Employers often violate regulations with impunity, and government authorities responsible for monitoring and enforcement frequently fail to act due to inadequate resources, corruption, or lack of accountability. These gaps prevent the intended benefits of the laws from reaching the workers who need them the most.
Women workers, in particular, face extreme hardships. Many female labourers I spoke with work long hours in unsafe conditions for very low wages, often without access to proper healthcare or social protection. They are subjected to harassment, forced overtime, and limited mobility due to societal norms and workplace policies. The combination of poverty, illiteracy, and social discrimination makes them one of the most vulnerable groups in the labour force.
Child labour and bonded labour remain persistent problems despite legal prohibitions. Many children continue to work in hazardous industries, often because families depend on their income for survival. Bonded labourers, trapped in cycles of debt, rarely see justice due to systemic inefficiencies and intimidation by powerful employers.
Based on these observations, it is clear that much more work is needed to improve labour conditions in Pakistan.
A comprehensive study and awareness campaign should be undertaken to educate workers about their rights and the mechanisms available for redress. Stronger monitoring and stricter enforcement of labour laws, combined with community-based support systems for women and children, are essential to achieve meaningful change. Ultimately, protecting labour rights is not only a matter of legal compliance but a moral obligation. Workers are the backbone of industries and the broader economy. Ensuring they are treated fairly, paid justly, and protected from exploitation should be a national priority. Only through coordinated efforts by the government, civil society, and academia can the promise of labour rights become a reality for every worker in Pakistan.
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