Lahore: Provincial Minister for Labour and Human Resource Muhammad Munshaullah Butt has announced the establishment of a new labour colony in Sialkot, emphasizing the government’s commitment to the welfare of workers in alignment with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif. During a ceremony at the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the minister distributed 419 marriage grant cheques and 57 death grant cheques, totaling Rs. 167 million.

According to Directorate General Public Relation – Govt of Punjab, the event saw the presence of Commissioner PESSI Zulfiqar Ali Kharl, President of the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry Syed Ehtisham Mazhar, Director General Labour Welfare Syeda Kulsoom, and Member of the Punjab Provincial Assembly Chaudhry Faisal Ikram. Minister Butt noted the increase in the marriage grant from Rs. 400,000 to Rs. 600,000 and the death grant from Rs. 600,000 to Rs. 800,000, underscoring the government’s dedication to supporting the country’s workforce.

The minister also highlighted the establishment of 73 schools for workers’ children and scholarships for 150 students in medical colleges. The expansion of the Sialkot Social Security Hospital’s capacity and the provision of medicines for local dispensaries were also noted. He acknowledged the contributions of Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif and others in local infrastructure projects. President Mazhar lauded the workforce’s role in earning foreign exchange and suggested constructing flats for workers to address population growth.