The federal government has stepped up efforts to establish a comprehensive national occupational safety and health (OSH) framework aimed at reducing workplace deaths, injuries and health risks across Pakistan’s formal and informal economies.
A consultative dialogue was held in Islamabad by the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, with technical support from the International Labour Organization (ILO), to finalize the draft National OSH Policy and discuss mechanisms for its effective implementation.
The proposed framework seeks to protect workers from conventional and emerging occupational hazards, including extreme heat, climate-related risks, chemical and biological exposure, technological changes and evolving forms of employment.
Officials said particular attention would be given to vulnerable groups, including women, young and elderly workers, persons with disabilities, migrant workers, home-based and domestic workers, agricultural labourers and digital platform workers.
The consultation brought together representatives of the ILO, workers’ and employers’ organisations, federal and provincial governments and other relevant institutions.
Federal Secretary for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry said sustainable economic growth was not possible without protecting the workforce driving the economy.
He said a strong national OSH framework would improve workplace safety and productivity while strengthening Pakistan’s position as a responsible and competitive participant in the global economy.
ILO Country Director for Pakistan Geir Thomas Tonstol said the policy was being developed through an evidence-based and consultative process involving scientific research and extensive provincial-level consultations.
He stressed that the objective was to establish an operational framework that could be effectively implemented by institutions and workplaces across the country rather than merely produce another policy document.
The proposed framework is aligned with international labour standards, particularly ILO Conventions 155 and 187 on occupational safety and health.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing Pakistan’s process towards ratification of the two core OSH conventions.
The framework also recognizes provincial administrative autonomy under the 18th Constitutional Amendment, proposing that provincial authorities take the lead in implementation while the federal government facilitates national coordination, shared priorities, data exchange and inter-provincial cooperation.
The dialogue concluded with agreement on strengthening workplace safety standards, improving the collection and reporting of occupational safety data, enhancing coordination between federal and provincial institutions and moving forward with ratification of the relevant ILO conventions.
