The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (MOPHRD) has accelerated efforts to develop and implement a comprehensive National Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) framework, aimed at ensuring safer and healthier workplaces across Pakistan. The framework seeks to strengthen protection for workers across both formal and informal economies while addressing emerging occupational risks linked to climate change, technological transformation and evolving working conditions.
As part of this process, a national consultative dialogue on the draft OSH Policy was held today at the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development in Islamabad, with technical support from the International Labour Organization (ILO). The dialogue brought together representatives of the ILO, workers’ and employers’ organizations, officials of the Ministry, federal and provincial authorities, and other key stakeholders.
The consultation provided an open and inclusive platform where all participating stakeholders were given the opportunity to share their views, concerns and recommendations on the proposed policy. The participants deliberated on practical workplace challenges, implementation mechanisms and measures required to develop a responsive and workable national OSH framework. The feedback received during the dialogue will contribute to further refining the policy in line with the needs of workers, employers and implementing institutions.
The proposed framework covers a broad spectrum of workers, with particular focus on vulnerable groups, including women, youth, elderly workers, persons with disabilities, migrant workers, home-based workers, domestic workers, agricultural labourers and digital platform workers. It seeks to strengthen preventive mechanisms and reduce workplace accidents, injuries and occupational health risks across the country.
The framework also expands the traditional scope of workplace safety by addressing emerging challenges including extreme heat, climate-related risks, chemical and biological hazards, and rapidly changing technologies and working arrangements.
Federal Secretary for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry said sustainable economic growth cannot be achieved without protecting the workforce that drives it. He emphasized that a strong National OSH framework would not only improve workplace safety but also enhance institutional productivity and strengthen Pakistan’s standing as a responsible and competitive participant in the global economy.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing a practical and coordinated occupational safety framework capable of responding to both existing and emerging workplace challenges.
ILO Country Director for Pakistan Geir Thomas Tonstol highlighted the evidence-based and consultative approach adopted in developing the framework. He said the process was built from the ground up, beginning with scientific evidence and extensive provincial consultations, with employers and workers actively contributing to the dialogue.
He stressed that the objective was not merely to produce a policy document, but to develop an operational framework that institutions and workplaces across Pakistan can effectively implement.
The initiative is aligned with international labour standards, including ILO Conventions No. 155 and No. 187 on occupational safety and health. Stakeholders also expressed commitment to advancing the process towards ratification of the core OSH conventions.
Recognizing the administrative autonomy of the provinces under the 18th Constitutional Amendment, the proposed framework envisages provincial authorities taking the lead in implementation, while the federal government facilitates national coordination, shared priorities, data exchange and cross-provincial cooperation.
The framework is being advanced through sustained tripartite social dialogue involving government, employers and workers, including key partners such as the Employers’ Federation of Pakistan (EFP) and the Pakistan United Workers Federation (PUWF).
The consultation concluded with a shared commitment to strengthen occupational safety and health standards, improve national data collection and reporting systems, enhance coordination among federal and provincial institutions, and move forward on the ratification of relevant ILO conventions.
