Saeed Ghani reveals over Rs20bn corruption in Sindh Labour department

KARACHI: Sindh Labour, Human Resources and Social Security Minister Saeed Ghani said on Sunday that corruption worth more than Rs20 billion had been uncovered in his department, adding that he was under pressure over the issue but would continue pursuing action against those involved.

Speaking at the All Pakistan Women Workers Conference organised by the Home-Based Women Workers Federation at the Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi, Ghani said officials allegedly linked to the corruption had been transferred. He added, however, that some of those transfer orders were later backed by court rulings.

"I cannot reinstate thieves to their former positions. We want those responsible to be punished, despite the pressure being exerted on us," Ghani said referring to the officials in question.

He also said he would not compromise on principle in order to stay in office. According to Ghani, holding a ministerial post was less important than preserving integrity. "I will not remain a minister forever. I can give up ministerial positions ten times over, but I cannot sacrifice my integrity to save a ministry," he added.

Labour rights and enforcement

Ghani said Sindh was the first province to grant formal recognition to home-based workers. At the same time, he acknowledged that enforcement of labour laws remained difficult because of limited resources.

Discussing implementation of the minimum wage law, the minister said the government by itself could not monitor compliance at every workplace. He urged workers to organise against underpayment and said: "If workers collectively refuse to work below the legally prescribed wage, employers will have no choice but to comply."

He reiterated the provincial government’s commitment to labour welfare, women’s empowerment and social protection initiatives.

Social security registration and bribery claim

Ghani said between 500,000 and 600,000 workers had so far been registered under social security programmes, though he said the real number of eligible workers should be far higher. He added that steps were being taken to widen social security coverage and improve access to education and healthcare for workers and their families.

The minister also said that when he was serving as adviser on labour in 2016, he had been offered a monthly bribe of Rs50 million, which he said he refused.