Chairperson of SHRC, Iqbal Detho, emphasized theimportance of enhancing conditions for workers in the informal sectorand implementing the minimum wage of Rs 32,000 per month in Sindh.He highlighted Pakistan’s constitutional provisions against slavery andhuman trafficking, aiming to review laws related to these issues withthe Standing Committees of the Sindh Assembly.
He was speaking at an interactive session with Sindh governmentstakeholders with the experts of the United States on the best practicesto combat trafficking in persons and bonded labour in Sindh.The event was organized by the Sustainable Social DevelopmentOrganization (SSDO) in collaboration with the Sindh Human RightsCommission (SHRC) and the US Embassy here on Friday.
Mr Detho highlighted that Pakistan’s Constitution prohibits slavery andhuman trafficking under Articles 3 and 11, emphasizing principles ofpolicy regarding this issue. Detho mentioned the Pakistan Penal Code’sprovisions on human trafficking, bonded labour, commercial sexualexploitation, and child labour.
The SHRC intends to collaborate with the Standing Committees of theSindh Assembly to review laws related to laws. With the authority toreview laws, SHRC aims to improve conditions for labour and agriculturalworkers by advocating for a wage increase from Rs. 25,000 to Rs. 32,000through the labour department. Detho commended the Labor Department’sdedication to this cause.Newly elected members of Sindh Assembly Ms. Marvi Rashidi (PPP), AliKhursheedi (MQM-P), Advocate Sofia Shah (MQM-P) highlighted variousissues that need attention and stressed the importance of raisingawareness about available acts and institutions dedicated to addressingthese issues. They urged all political parties to prioritize this mattercollectively.The public representatives pointed out the challenges individuals facein identifying appropriate authorities for specific cases.
They stressedthe importance of broadcasting public service messages to raiseawareness about human trafficking. They highlighted how economichardships worsen the issue, leading to increased suffering amongaffected individuals.SP Zafar from the Police Department mentioned that 406 cases wereregistered regarding Trafficking in Persons (TIP). He said over 1900police officers have received training on TIP. He stressed organizingawareness sessions for new staff and utilizing the 1715 CPO helpline.
