KP reviews labour reforms, student unions

PESHAWAR: The Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government reviewed labour welfare laws, reform measures and future plans during a meeting of the Labour Department chaired by Chief Minister Muhammad Sohail Afridi.

According to the details shared in the meeting, participants carried out a broad review of the legal and institutional system related to labour welfare, ongoing reform efforts and the sector’s roadmap.

A key focus of the discussion was the need to further improve the social security registration system for workers so that the government-notified minimum wage can be enforced effectively. Chairing the meeting, the chief minister said complete implementation of minimum wage laws was non-negotiable and directed the relevant authorities to speed up the labour registration process across the province.

Officials informed the meeting that, under the government’s wider good governance agenda, the initial registration targets had already been met ahead of schedule. They said the number of registered workers was expected to increase substantially by May 1, which would mark a significant step in widening social protection coverage for labourers.

The meeting also agreed on the need to raise the number of labour courts in order to ensure quicker settlement of disputes and improve workers’ access to justice. The chief minister directed that the issue be placed before the relevant forum for an early decision.

Worker housing and welfare measures

Progress on worker welfare housing schemes also came under review, particularly the issuance of allotment letters for newly built residential flats for labourers in Peshawar. The chief minister instructed officials to complete the process without delay so that eligible workers could benefit from better living conditions.

Student unions discussed

Alongside labour matters, the meeting held a detailed discussion on the long-standing issue of restoring student unions in educational institutions.

Participants were told that the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly had already passed a resolution on the matter and that practical steps were under way for its implementation. A dedicated committee has been set up to prepare recommendations regarding the revival of student unions.

The meeting was informed that, on the basis of those recommendations, a balanced code of conduct would be prepared in consultation with all stakeholders to ensure responsible and constructive student participation.

It was also decided that formal legislation would be introduced to define the structure, scope and regulatory framework of student unions.

The chief minister said student unions were important for promoting democratic values and leadership skills among young people. He said their restoration would give students a platform to take part positively in democratic processes and would contribute to the development of future leadership in the province.