SUKKUR: A World Bank official has impressed upon all stakeholders of the barrages improvement projects being executed under its funding to strictly comply with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions and the bank’s prescribed labour laws and standards.

WB’s Senior Social Development Specialist Imranul Haq was speaking at a workshop on labour management at Guddu and Sukkur barrages.

The workshop was organised by the Project Management Office (PMO) under the Sindh Barrages Improvement Project (SBIP) in the camp office of the China Road & Bridge Corporation and its partner firm.

Mr Haq highlighted contractors’ responsibilities, employers’ obligations under labour laws, occupational health and safety requirements, workers’ welfare and the importance of maintaining proper labour records.

Calls for observing WB’s environmental and social standards during works at barrages

Representatives of the Sukkur Barrage contractors (CRBC-HBSZ JV) and the Guddu Barrage contractors (Descon Engineering Co. Ltd.) were also briefed on Pakistan’s obligations under the ILO conventions, including elimination of forced and child labour, prevention of workplace discrimination, and promotion of safe and fair working conditions.

Project Implementation Consultant Ms Carrie Eller explained labour management practices, including workers’ induction, management of direct and subcontracted workers, grievance redressing mechanisms, prevention of harassment and retaliation and measures to prevent sexual exploitation and abuse as well as sexual harassment.

The stakeholders discussed practical challenges encountered during construction works.

SBIP Technical Officer Dr Imran Aziz Tunio said the workshop participants reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining high labour standards while ensuring successful implementation of the SBIP.

The stakeholders also reviewed the progress of ongoing construction works and discussed labour-related issues being faced by contractors and also the actions required from all project partners.

SBIP Project Director Noorul Arfin Baloch said that the project had successfully addressed several labour-related challenges during construction works through close coordination among all stakeholders. He stressed the importance of maintaining good labour practices and ensuring workers’ welfare throughout the remaining period of the project. SBIP AXENs Mumtaz Ghumro and Mehran Sattar also attended the workshop.

Published in Dawn, August 5th, 2026