INDUSTRIAL RELATIONS, LABOUR-MANAGEMENT NEWS NATIONAL and INTERNATIONAL.

The article focuses on the Punjab Labour Code, 2025 (Bill No. 85 of 2025), which aims to consolidate over 25 existing labour laws into a single code covering formal and some informal sectors. While the bill has been approved by the Punjab Standing Committee on Human Resources, it faces strong opposition from major trade unions, labour organizations, and the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) due to concerns that it undermines workers’ rights, including restrictions on union registration, collective bargaining, and reduced maternity benefits. Critics also highlight potential risks of legalizing bonded labour through the "Peshgi" system and increasing child labour in informal sectors. The HRCP and labour groups call for inclusive, tripartite consultations involving government, employers, and workers to ensure adequate protections and compliance with International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions. [Extracted from the article]