A petition has been filed in the Lahore High Court (LHC) advocating for a significant increase in Pakistan’s minimum wage, proposing it be set at $1,000 per month, which is roughly Rs 270,000. This bold demand aims to address the growing disparity between wages and the rising cost of living in the country.
The petition, submitted by Advocate Fahim Nawaz, lists both federal and provincial governments as respondents. The petitioner argues that Pakistan’s labor laws, rooted in outdated colonial-era regulations, are long overdue for reform. He stressed the need to align the country’s labor policies with international standards, citing examples from nations such as the United States and the United Kingdom.
At present, the minimum wage in Pakistan stands at Rs 37,000 per month, a figure that many workers struggle to live on given the soaring inflation and escalating living expenses. The proposed adjustment to $1,000 represents a significant increase aimed at improving workers’ quality of life and economic stability. The petitioner also requested the court to suspend the current minimum wage notification and urged an overhaul of labor policies to modernize the system.
If accepted, this proposal could lead to a monumental shift in Pakistan’s labor policies, potentially setting a new benchmark for workers’ rights and economic equity. However, the petition also raises critical questions about the feasibility of such a drastic change, particularly regarding its potential impact on businesses and the broader economy.
The petition is currently awaiting the court’s response, sparking a nationwide debate on wages, workers’ rights, and economic sustainability. If implemented, it could become a landmark decision in the history of Pakistan’s labor reforms.
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