Sindh Unveils Major Reforms for Minorities and Workers

The Sindh Workers Welfare Board (WWB) has rolled out a set of initiatives for minority communities and workers in line with National Minorities Day, observed annually on August 11. The date commemorates Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s 1947 speech advocating equal rights for all citizens, regardless of religion.

Minority Rights Initiatives

Sindh Labour Secretary Rafique Qureshi highlighted the importance of the occasion, noting that the white stripe in Pakistan’s flag represents minorities and their rights. The announcement follows ongoing concerns over religious freedom, with incidents of mob violence, forced conversions, and blasphemy cases reported by the European Union’s Sebastien Lorion.

State Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Kesoo Mal Kheal Das stated that a law to establish the National Commission for Minority Rights has been passed by both houses of parliament and is awaiting presidential approval.

An EU-funded program to strengthen minority rights is being implemented in Punjab and Sindh by the Parliamentarians Commission for Human Rights in partnership with the Centre for Social Justice. In July, several non-Muslim senators called on Senate Chairman Yousaf Raza Gilani to form a minority caucus within the House.

Worker Welfare Measures

The WWB has upgraded the Workers’ Accidental Health Insurance Scheme to provide annual coverage of Rs. 0.7 million, with access to treatment at 270 hospitals nationwide.

The board is shifting its housing policy from worker flats to fully solar-powered homes. Schools managed by the board will also be solarised, and each student will receive two sets of uniforms annually.

Financial and Operational Reforms

Acting on directives from Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, the WWB will increase the death grant to Rs 1 million and raise the marriage grant from Rs 0.3 million to Rs 0.5 million.

The board is digitising its operations to ensure transparent service delivery. It has also approved an investment of Rs. 3 billion in the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan and Shariah-compliant Sukuk bonds to strengthen its financial base and expand worker facilities.