KARACHI: Caretaker Minister for Law and Religious Affairs and Human Rights Sindh Barrister Muhammad Omer Soomro said that most of labour standards are already in conformity with Quran and Sunnah that was revealed 1,500 years ago. It is incumbent upon employers to safeguard interest of workers and provide them with all required facilities including living wage, so that satisfied worker is keener to improve working and profitability of an enterprise. Addressing award distribution ceremony of EFP 17th Occupational Safety, Health and Environment Awards for year 2022 as Chief Guest Soomro in gave detailed references from Holy Quran and Sunnah of Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H.) that reflect importance of healthy relationship between an employer and worker.

Earlier, Malik Tahir Javaid President Employers’ Federation of Pakistan said that Occupational Safety, Health and Environment actually begins from home and that we employers are fully cognisant of importance of OSHE at workplace. He added that EFP has always sensitised its member companies to fully comply with all international labour standards including elimination of child labour, non-discrimination, non-violence, non-harassment at workplace and timely payment of wages and remuneration to workers.

Geir Tonstoel ILO’s Country Director for Pakistan said that occupational safety and health is fundamental principle and right at work. He informed that ILO is pleased to acknowledge that government of Pakistan is actively pursuing ratification of ILO’s core OSH Conventions, Number. 155 and Number 187 and that ratification of these two conventions would further demonstrate Pakistan’s commitment to safe and inclusive world of work.

Zahoor Awan leader of Pakistan Workers Federation highlighted fact that in ILC in June 2023, Conference adopted conventions 155 and 187 on OSH to further strengthen importance of OSH which is through conventions and are now for enterprises to comply with in matter of GSP plus of European Union. He offered full support of PWF to EFP in all matters that are mutually beneficial to workers and employers.

Munazza Gillani Country Director Sightsavers stressed importance of collective efforts in promoting health and safety, particularly for individuals with special needs.

Muhammad Feroz Alam Vice President EFP briefed about award criteria and how it is considered to hold international standards in several areas of health, safety and environment.

EFP Best Practices OSHE Award was given in oil and gas sectors to Mari Petroleum Company Limited, Cnergyis Pk Limited and Pak-Arab Refinery Limited. In electricity and power sector to K-Electric, TNB Repair and Maintenance Sdn. Bhd and Harbin Electric International O&M. in chemical and petrochemical, processing and allied sector to Engro Fertilizers Limited, Tri-pack Films Limited, Lotte Chemical Pakistan Ltd. In food and FMCG sector to Coronet Foods (Pvt) Limited and English Biscuit Manufacturers (PVT) Ltd. In health and pharmaceutical sector to Martin Dow Limited, Getz Pharma (Pvt) Limited and Astola Plant-Getz Pharma. In services sector to Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited and SGS Pakistan (Private) Limited. In textile, leather and sports sector to Forward Sports Pvt. Ltd. and Interloop Limited and Artistic Milliners. In engineering, automobile and spare parts/components sector to International Steels Limited, Atlas Battery Limited and Thal Engineering. Recognition Shields were also given to 24 enterprises to recognise their efforts.

Published in The Daily National Courier, September, 27 2023

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