Sindh sets minimum monthly wage at Rs40,000

The Sindh government has announced a new minimum monthly wage of Rs40,000 for labourers. A formal notification has been issued, with the new wage structure taking effect from July 1.

Sindh’s Minister for Labour and Human Resources, Shahid Abdul Salam Thahim, stated that workers have been categorised into three groups: semi-skilled, skilled, and highly skilled.

Their respective minimum wages have been set at Rs41,380, Rs49,628, and Rs51,745 per month.

The minister emphasised that it will be mandatory for both registered and unregistered entities to comply with the new wage structure, and male and female workers must be paid equally, in accordance with the law.

Thahim added that the primary aim of the wage increase is to alleviate the impact of inflation and enable the working class to live a life of dignity.

Read: KP govt tables Rs2,119bn budget, increases salary, pension

It is worth noting that just a day prior, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) had called for a significantly higher minimum wage of Rs75,000 to better support the salaried class and daily wage earners. 

The HRCP's demand was voiced during a programme held in Hyderabad, where a documentary titled Right to a Living Wage was also screened.

The event was part of a broader campaign led by HRCP to advocate for workers' rights. Speaking at the event, HRCP leaders and other speakers criticised the existing minimum wage as inadequate, arguing that it is impossible for a family of five to meet basic expenses for food, education, and healthcare on the current income.