Karachi: Provincial Minister of Labor and Manpower Sindh, Shahid Abdul Salam Thahim, announced a firm stance against the illegal activities of labor organizations in Karachi, stating that no form of blackmail would be tolerated within the industries. This declaration came during a luncheon hosted by the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), which also discussed numerous issues facing the industrial sector including labor law enforcement and the necessity for improved infrastructure and governmental support.
According to Korangi Association of Trade and Industry, Minister Thahim confirmed that new regulations are being established in collaboration with the Ministry of Interior Sindh among other departments, aimed at curbing illegal practices in labor organizations. The event, attended by prominent industrialists and KATI members, also highlighted the government’s approval of an increase in the minimum salary from 32,000 rupees to 37,000 rupees.
The dialogue at the luncheon underscored the challenges posed by the dual regulatory framework of provincial and federal laws, which complicates the operations within the Korangi Industrial Area—home to over 1.5 million employees. KATI President Junaid Naqi stressed the urgent need for a one-window operation to streamline the registration and administration processes for industries to enhance efficiency and compliance.
Furthermore, Deputy Patron-in-Chief Zubair Chhaya and CEO of Kite Limited, Zahid Saeed, expressed their concerns regarding the adverse effects of inconsistent policies and the harassment of industrialists under the guise of labor law compliance. They emphasized the significant contributions of the Korangi Industrial Area to the national economy and called for the Sindh government to release development funds promised in 2016, which remain undistributed.
The speakers advocated for an environment that fosters investor confidence and supports the legitimate demands of labor organizations while taking action against those engaging in unlawful demands and blackmail. They proposed that the new labor regulations be formulated in consultation with all stakeholders, including industrialists and labor representatives, to ensure fairness and practicality in their application.