LAHORE: Punjab Labour Minister Raja Ashfaq Sarwar has said that the Home-based workers are priority of the Punjab government as they are the marginalized among the labor force and they are also contributing in our economy.

He stressed that it is our priority to end the exploitation of these workers and they feel protected. HomeNet Pakistan organised an orientation meeting for Punjab Labour Minister on policy and legislation for Home-based workers.

The meeting was chaired by Punjab Labour Minister. Objective of the orientation meeting was to brief minister regarding the situation of Home-based workers, and previous legislation and govt commitments on the policy process for Home-based workers. Executive Director HomeNet Pakistan Ume Laila Azhar briefed the minister regarding the process in Punjab. She hoped that the present govt will fulfill the previous commitment regarding the Home-based workers policy legislation.

Director Labour Syed Hasnat Javed briefed the minister on current policy status and process. Mohsin Abbas from Law Department presented the legislation process regarding the Home-based Workers Act 2013.

Concluding the meeting, the minister said the major challenge regarding the issue is the invisibility of their contractor, and undefined working hours. He ensured that soon the law regarding Home-based workers will present in the Assembly and Labour Ministry will also invite the HomeNet Pakistan so that we can approve with more clarity and can identify gaps in the legislation process.