Islamabad: In a significant event underscoring the government’s commitment to labor welfare, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, presided over a cheque distribution ceremony aimed at supporting industrial workers through marriage and death grants. The ceremony, held on October 9, 2024, involved the disbursement of substantial financial aids to beneficiaries, reflecting the government’s ongoing effort to alleviate the economic burdens on workers during key life events.
According to Press Information Department, the event was organized by the Workers Welfare Fund (WWF) and saw the participation of various stakeholders, including representatives from the Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI), Bureau of Emigration, and the Directorate of Workers Education (DWE), along with leaders from major industrial entities and Geir Tonstol, Country Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Pakistan. During the ceremony, Minister Hussain distributed 81 marriage grants of Rs. 400,000 each and 8 death grants of Rs. 800,000 each, directly benefiting the families of industrial workers.
In his address, Minister Hussain lauded the hard work and dedication of industrial workers, emphasizing the critical role they play in Pakistan’s economic framework. He highlighted the government’s resolve to support workers and their families through enhanced welfare measures, including the recent increase in budget allocations for workers’ scholarships and housing schemes. The event also served as a platform to remind industrial entities of their obligations under national welfare legislation, ensuring continued support for such initiatives through regular fund remittances.
Additionally, the WWF’s significant contributions were outlined, including the awarding of 82,883 scholarships totaling Rs. 8.087 billion and the completion of numerous residential projects for workers. Looking ahead, the Minister announced plans for the allotment of new housing units, demonstrating an expanding scope of support for workers.
Geir Tonstol of the ILO praised Pakistan’s efforts in implementing social security measures that enhance worker welfare and promote social justice, highlighting the marriage and death grants as key examples of the country’s commitment to its workforce.
The ceremony not only marked a day of financial support for the workers but also reaffirmed the broader commitment to enhancing their socio-economic conditions across Pakistan.