Pakistan’s Exploited Workers Face Wage Theft, Abuse & Government Neglect
Pakistan’s Exploited Workers Face Crisis
Facing daily abuse, starvation-level wages, and inhuman conditions, Pakistan’s exploited workers endure severe hardships. Meanwhile, social activist and engineer Naeem Sadiq continues to expose the mistreatment faced by cleaners, coal miners, janitors, delivery boys, security guards, and sweepers. Despite risking their lives in hazardous environments, many earn below the legal minimum wage and lack basic health coverage or job security.
Naeem Sadiq Raises Alarm Over Exploitation
Recently, Naeem Sadiq shed light on the tragic suicide of a private security guard in Karachi—initially dismissed as a domestic issue. The guard endured 12-hour shifts for a meager Rs25,000 per month without any benefits. This marks the ninth such incident, underlining the devastating toll of wage injustice, unsafe workspaces, and mental stress on underpaid laborers.
Labor Rights Abused Across All Sectors
Moreover, workers across various sectors—from hospital janitors to petrol station guards—face serious risks. Most are overworked, untrained, and denied protective equipment, leaving them highly vulnerable. In industrial units, malls, and service stations, they inhale toxic fumes, sustain injuries, and face burnout, yet receive no safety training or medical support.
Low Wages & Wage Theft: A Systemic Crisis
Thousands of laborers earn less than half the legal minimum wage while being denied weekly holidays. In addition, the contract system and outsourcing practices allow employers to evade responsibility. As a result, wage theft is rampant, with employers shifting blame to contractors who often fire workers without notice or compensation.
Unseen Struggles of Guards and Janitors
Security guards, janitors, and garbage collectors silently endure extreme weather, hunger, and humiliation. Many bank guards work 12-hour shifts for only Rs25,000 per month. In hospitals, janitors risk infections due to the absence of safety gear. Despite being essential to society, these workers remain unrecognized, underpaid, and excluded from basic human dignity.
Government & Society Turn a Blind Eye
Furthermore, regulatory bodies like EOBI and social security departments have failed to protect these workers. The government rarely enforces minimum wage laws, and the public remains largely indifferent. For instance, garbage collectors work in scorching 45°C temperatures without water or acknowledgment from the communities they serve.
Naeem Sadiq’s Call to Action
Pakistan’s exploited workers deserve justice, fair wages, and dignity. Naeem Sadiq interviews affected individuals, amplifies their voices, and urges authorities to investigate and penalize exploitative employers. He calls for the enforcement of minimum wage laws and the abolition of the contract system that shields companies from accountability.
Silencing Labor Voices
Meanwhile, trade unions advocating for labor rights face increasing resistance. Workers fear losing their jobs for speaking out. With no formal contracts, benefits, or protections, they remain voiceless in a system built to exploit. Until real reforms are implemented, the cycle of poverty and exploitation will continue to devastate Pakistan’s labor force.
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