Pakistan has stepped up efforts to strengthen workplace safety by moving closer to a comprehensive Pakistan National OSH Framework.
The federal government, the International Labour Organization (ILO), workers, employers and provincial authorities joined a consultation in Islamabad to refine the proposed national occupational safety and health policy.
The initiative aims to reduce workplace deaths, injuries and health risks across both formal and informal sectors.
Pakistan National OSH Framework Targets Workplace Risks
The consultation, hosted by the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, focused on improving the draft National OSH Policy.
With technical support from the ILO, participants examined how the policy could work effectively across the country.
The proposed Pakistan National OSH Framework covers both traditional workplace hazards and emerging risks.
These include extreme heat, climate-related threats, chemical and biological exposure, technological changes and new forms of employment.
Vulnerable Workers Receive Special Attention
The proposed framework also recognizes that some workers face greater risks than others.
Therefore, officials plan to give special attention to women, young and older workers, people with disabilities and migrant workers.
The policy also covers home-based workers, domestic workers, agricultural labourers and digital platform workers.
This broader approach could help extend workplace safety protections to workers who often operate outside traditional employment structures.
Government and ILO Push for Practical Implementation
Federal Secretary for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry said economic growth depends on a protected and productive workforce.
He said stronger workplace safety standards could improve productivity while helping Pakistan strengthen its position in the global economy.
Meanwhile, ILO Country Director for Pakistan Geir Thomas Tonstol said the policy process relies on research and consultations at the provincial level.
He stressed that the goal goes beyond producing another policy document.
Instead, the proposed framework should create a practical system that institutions and workplaces can implement effectively.
Pakistan Looks to International OSH Standards
The proposed Pakistan National OSH Framework is aligned with international labour standards.
In particular, it refers to ILO Conventions 155 and 187, which focus on occupational safety and health.
Participants also reaffirmed their support for Pakistan’s progress toward ratifying the two core OSH conventions.
Such ratification could further strengthen the country’s commitment to internationally recognized workplace safety standards.
Provinces to Lead Implementation
The framework also takes Pakistan’s constitutional structure into account.
Under the 18th Constitutional Amendment, provinces have significant administrative autonomy. Therefore, provincial authorities would play the leading role in implementing the proposed workplace safety measures.
At the same time, the federal government would support coordination between provinces.
It would also help establish shared priorities, improve data exchange and encourage cooperation among federal and provincial institutions.
Employers and Workers Join the Consultation
The process follows a tripartite model that brings together the government, employers and workers.
Organizations including the Employers’ Federation of Pakistan and Pakistan United Workers Federation took part in the discussions.
Participants examined major workplace safety challenges and considered how authorities could improve implementation.
They also highlighted the need for stronger systems to collect and report occupational safety data.
Pakistan Seeks Stronger Workplace Safety System
The consultation ended with agreement on several key priorities.
These include strengthening workplace safety standards, improving national occupational safety data and increasing coordination between federal and provincial institutions.
Participants also backed continued progress toward ratifying the relevant ILO conventions.
Overall, the Pakistan National OSH Framework represents an effort to create a more coordinated approach to workplace safety.
If implemented effectively, the framework could help protect workers across Pakistan’s changing economy while promoting safer and more productive workplaces.
