ISLAMABAD, Oct 25: There is a dire need for consolidation and rationalization of labour laws in the country for the larger interest of the workers, Labour Minister Omar Asghar Khan said here on Thursday.

He was presiding over a meeting of a committee constituted for examining consolidation and rationalization of labour laws.

The minister said the committee had reviewed the draft of labour laws and decided that the employers and workers’ body would finalize their views on the subject laws by November 15. However, the issues on which the parties do not agree on, will be referred to WEBCOP to finalize its views/comments by November 25.

He said thereafter the ministry would meet on November 30 to finalize the draft for submission to the cabinet for approval. The meeting was attended by Secretary, Ministry of Labour, Manpower and Overseas Pakistanis Farhat Hussain, president, Employers Federation of Pakistan and general secretary, All Pakistan Federation of Labour.

Mr Khan said the negative effects of the US military operations in Afghanistan on the business and industry of Pakistan should be addressed with the assistance of America and the western countries, besides the ILO, so that Pakistan’s economy could survive the war crisis.

He said the government would consider to take up this issue with these countries for seeking aid-in-grant to overcome the adverse effects of the present situation in the region. He said the US and its allies should encourage the export of Pakistan for its sustainability and progress.