LAHORE: Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed the authorities concerned to ensure the provision of safety equipment and implementation of precautionary measures in factories, industrial units and offices across the province.

In her message on the World Day for Safety and Health at Work, the chief minister stressed the need for safeguarding both the physical and mental health of labourers working in factories and workplaces.

According to a handout, she also instructed the labour department and other relevant institutions to take strict action against those violating workplace safety laws.

The CM termed workplace safety, health and labour welfare a fundamental pillar of national development, reiterating her commitment to protection and rehabilitation of workers. She said ensuring the safety of workers and public health was the top priority of the Punjab government.

She ordered strict compliance with safety protocols and the use of protective equipment to shield workers from occupational hazards.

“A healthy and safe worker can build a strong nation,” she said, urging the industrialists and business owners to prioritise workers’ safety and welfare. She highlighted the importance of promoting a safety culture in factories, offices and other workplaces, adding that amendments were being introduced in labour laws to strengthen worker protection.

CM further stated that financial assistance was being provided to 1.4m workers through ration cards on a monthly basis while an additional 50,000 labourers would be issued ration cards during the current fiscal year. She warned that factories neglecting workers’ health and safety would face penalties.

Published in Dawn, April 29th, 2026