Lahore: Punjab Minister for Labour Muhammad Manshaullah Butt met the Country Director of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Mr Geir T Tonsstol, along with his delegation, to review ongoing labour welfare projects and future plans under the Labour Department, here on Wednesday.
Secretary Labour Danish Afzal, Commissioner Social Security Zulfiqar Ali Kharl, and Director General Labour Kulsoom Hai attended the meeting.
The minister briefed the ILO delegation on various initiatives, including the Maryam Nawaz Rashan Card, launched to improve workers’ economic conditions. He highlighted measures for strict enforcement of labour laws, establishment of Occupational Health and Safety laboratories in Lahore and Faisalabad, and steps to ensure equal employment opportunities and safe working environments for women, in line with Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz’s vision.
ILO Country Director Geir T Tonsstol appreciated the Punjab government’s worker-friendly programmes, labour reforms, and social protection measures. He assured full technical cooperation and support for effective implementation of labour laws and Occupational Health and Safety standards, which will reduce workplace accidents and occupational diseases. He also welcomed initiatives providing safe and dignified employment for women and announced plans for more joint programmes to enhance workers’ skills and capacities.
The ILO delegation included Syed Saghir Bukhari (Senior Programme Officer), Ivo Spouwen (Project Manager), Ijaz Ahmed (National Project Coordinator), Muhammad Noman (Communication Officer), and Faizullah (Enterprise Advisor).