CM announces labour health, housing projects
The miners and workers will be able to get a monthly subsidy of Rs3,000 through ration cards, she stated in her message issued to mark the day.
She added, "Workers will be able to get 13 other benefits, including digital cash transfer, advance salary and Labour Day prizes through JS Bank cards."
The chief minister said 50-bed social security hospitals had been inaugurated in Kasur and Sargodha, while a hospital would also be built in Rahim Yar Khan for the labourers.
She said state-of-the-art wellness centres would be built in three cities for the workers.
The chief minister revealed that a first-of-its-kind 200-bed modern cardiac city would be built in Lahore for the workers. She disclosed that 'teleclinics' were being set up to provide medical facilities to the workers from the best doctors. She said the inauguration of a labour colony in Taxila and a Workers Welfare Complex in the Sundar Industrial Estate was a welcome step.
She said, "A new labour colony will be built in Warburton and Phase-II of the colony in Multan will be built, while 300 day care centres are being built for the convenience of female workers of factories."
The chief minister added, "For the first time, payment of minimum wage is being ensured across the province."
Meanwhile, Special Assistant to Chief Minister (SACM) Punjab Rashid Iqbal Nasrullah and Deputy Commissioner Lahore Syed Musa Raza on Thursday paid glowing tributes to workers across the province, acknowledging their crucial role in Pakistan's development and progress on the occasion of International Labour Day.
SACM Rashid Iqbal Nasrullah, in his message, called workers the "backbone of society," praising their unwavering dedication and tireless efforts that drive national growth.
"Your labour is not only a source of pride but also a cornerstone for the nation's reconstruction," he said.
He emphasised that under the leadership of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, the provincial government is taking meaningful steps to protect workers' rights and improve their quality of life. "The Chief Minister has not only raised workers' wages but also ensured their effective implementation across Punjab," he noted.
Nasrullah added that new welfare initiatives aimed at uplifting the working class will be launched soon.
Echoing these sentiments, Deputy Commissioner Lahore Syed Musa Raza paid homage to the labour force's resilience and indispensable contributions to the city's development.
"Without the contribution of labourers, the prosperity of Lahore would not be possible," he stated in his message.
The DC highlighted the vital role played by workers in diverse sectors including construction, transport, manufacturing, sanitation, and services, calling them the pillars of Lahore's economic and social life.
He reiterated the district administration's commitment to safeguarding workers' rights, health, and safety, ensuring they receive fair treatment and dignified working conditions.
"Labourers are the backbone of our economy, and the administration stands in solidarity with them," said the DC, assuring continued prioritisation of worker welfare and empowerment in Lahore and across Punjab.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
9 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Lahore zoo returns to govt control after private firm exits contract
The management of Lahore Zoo has officially been taken over by the Department of Wildlife after the private company awarded the operational contract withdrew from the agreement. All services, including entry tickets and parking, are now being managed directly by the zoo administration. The private firm had secured the contract on January 1, 2025, for a total value of Rs500 million. The agreement covered services such as ticketing, parking, and other visitor facilities. However, the company exited the contract after six months and sixteen days of operation. Sources say the firm is liable to pay over Rs 250 million to the government as part of the contractual terms, along with settling outstanding dues such as electricity bills. Zoo officials confirmed the development, stating that all operational responsibilities have been resumed by the zoo's management. According to authorities, the private contractor had requested the Captive Wildlife Management Committee (CWMC) to allow an increase in ticket prices and to bundle one additional paid facility (such as the dinosaur hall, reptile house, or aquarium) with each entry ticket. The CWMC rejected the proposal, maintaining that additional financial burdens should not be imposed on visitors. The decision to keep recreational services affordable aligns with the vision of Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb, who advocate for accessible and quality leisure facilities for the public. It is worth noting that after taking charge, the private company introduced bundled ticket packages that forced visitors to purchase entry alongside access to one additional facility. This prompted strong public criticism and a response from Senior Minister Maryam Aurangzeb and Punjab Secretary of Forests & Wildlife, Mudassir Riaz Malik, who directed an immediate end to the practice. According to sources, the private company opted to exit the agreement to prevent further financial losses and assured the authorities that all outstanding dues would be cleared. On Thursday, the zoo administration officially resumed control, and the CWMC has called an emergency meeting today to decide the future course of management for the zoo.
Business Recorder
12 hours ago
- Business Recorder
Yamaha, Unique hike motorcycle prices in Pakistan following NEV levy imposition
Following the footsteps of Atlas Honda and Pak Suzuki Motor Company, Yamaha Motor Pakistan has announced revised retail prices for its motorcycle lineup, effective July 1, 2025. This follows changes introduced in the federal budget 2025-26, including the implementation of a new NEV [New Energy Vehicle] levy on automobile sales. As per the updated price list, the company's YB125Z (Red/Black) mode will now retail at Rs429,000, which includes Rs65,441 in sales tax and Rs4,057 in NEV levy. The YAMAHA-YB125Z DX (Red/Black/Gray) has seen a price increase as well, and now stands at Rs459,500, after taxes and levies. Yamaha's YBR125 (Red/Gray/Black) will now be available at Rs471,500, while the YBR125G (Black) will cost Rs490,500. The YBR125G (Matt) has emerged as the most expensive model in the lineup, clocking in at Rs493,500 after new taxes. Meanwhile, Unique, a brand of D.S. Motors Private Limited, has also raised the price of its UD-70cc motorcycle models by Rs3,000 across all listed variants, effective July 18, 2025. The company, in its notice to the dealers, cited recent taxation measures in the budget for FY25-26, increased production costs, rising import duties, and the current economic conditions as reasons for the hike. Days ago, Pak Suzuki Motor Company announced revised retail prices for its motorcycle lineup. Earlier, Atlas Honda, which holds over half of the motorcycle market share in Pakistan, increased the prices of its bikes by Rs2,000 to Rs6,000 per unit on account of new taxes. The NEV levy, introduced in the Finance Act 2025, applies to all internal combustion engine motor vehicles and motorcycles and came into effect from July 1, 2025, increasing prices significantly. According to the details, the NEV levy covers all vehicle categories from basic motorcycles to luxury SUVs. However, the policy exempts new energy vehicles (electric and hybrid cars), vehicles manufactured exclusively for export, diplomatic mission vehicles, and those belonging to international organisations with diplomatic privileges. Experts believe that the rate hike could dampen demand in the already struggling two-wheeler market, where affordability remains a key concern for buyers.
Express Tribune
16 hours ago
- Express Tribune
Bulls stage comeback on earnings' prospects
Listen to article Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) rebounded on Wednesday as the KSE-100 index rose nearly 450 points over investor optimism about the ongoing corporate result season and the potential of ratings upgrade. The benchmark index ended trading at 136,379.97, reflecting a gain of 440.10 points, or 0.32%. It came following a dip of 563 points in the previous session. Market sentiment was buoyed by anticipation of robust company results and attractive dividend announcements. Adding to the upbeat tone was speculation about credit rating upgrade by Moody's owing to signs of economic stabilisation. Also, the government's commitment to holding constructive dialogue with the industrial sector on budgetary concerns was seen as a favourable step. Buying activity was mainly concentrated in sectors like fertiliser and cement, which helped drive the index to intra-day high of 137,232. It later came off highs but still closed the day with modest gains. According to Arif Habib Corp MD Ahsan Mehanti, stocks showed recovery in the earnings season rally on expectations of strong financial results, dividend payouts and potential Moody's upgrade amid strong economic recovery. Government's affirmation of negotiations with industries over budget issues, along with reports about finance minister presenting compelling evidence to Moody's for ratings boost, fuelled the bullish close at the PSX, he said. KTrade Securities, in its report, wrote that profit-taking persisted at the PSX as the index experienced another mixed session. Despite the cautious mood, the KSE-100 managed to go up by 440 points (+0.32%). The rally was driven primarily by strong performance by the fertiliser sector, with notable contributions coming from Fauji Fertiliser Company (FFC), Engro Holdings and Engro Fertilisers. Looking ahead, the broader uptrend appears intact, though investors remain cautious amid concerns over potential tariff adjustments and the earnings season, it said. Topline Securities observed that Wednesday's session saw consolidation, with the index oscillating between intra-day high of 137,232 and intra-day low of 135,543 as investors booked profits, particularly in banking stocks. Support mainly came from FFC, Engro Holdings, Engro Fertilisers, Pakistan Services and Attock Refinery, which added 1,160 points. On the downside, UBL, Meezan Bank and MCB Bank erased 443 points, Topline added. JS Global analyst Muhammad Hasan Ather commented that the KSE-100 index traded near record highs, rising 1,292 points to intra-day high of 137,232 amid strong corporate earnings and optimism about Moody's ratings upgrade. Investor sentiment was buoyed by positive economic signals, including the falling inflation, a stable rupee and rising foreign reserves. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb's meeting with Moody's further reinforced confidence, he said. Overall trading volumes stood at 705.9 million shares compared with Tuesday's tally of 879.1 million. The value of shares traded was Rs32.2 billion. Shares of 482 companies were traded. Of these, 223 stocks closed higher, 221 dropped and 38 remained unchanged. Pakistan International Bulk Terminal was the volume leader with trading in 90.7 million shares, rising Rs0.96 to close at Rs9.69. It was followed by First Dawood Properties with 40.6 million shares, gaining Rs1 to close at Rs6.11 and DH Partners with 37.2 million shares, up Rs1.82 to close at Rs42.06. Foreign investors sold shares worth Rs696.4 million, the National Clearing Company reported.
