PESHAWAR – Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) has emerged as a leader in labour welfare by announcing a significant increase in the minimum wage, raising it to Rs. 40,000 per month, according to a statement by Muzzammil Aslam, Advisor to the Chief Minister for Finance.
Speaking from the Finance Advisor’s Office, Aslam proudly stated that KP was the first province in the country to make this bold move, setting a new standard for worker compensation. “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has taken the lead across Pakistan by increasing the minimum wage to Rs. 40,000,” he said. “This step reflects the provincial government’s commitment to improving the living standards of the working class, especially in these difficult economic times.”
He further highlighted that Punjab followed KP’s example, also setting its minimum wage at Rs. 40,000. “It’s encouraging to see Punjab align with KP’s progressive policies by ensuring fair wages for labourers,” he noted. However, Aslam expressed disappointment with the federal government and the Sindh province, criticising them for maintaining last year’s minimum wage levels. Despite inflation and rising costs of living, both the federal government and the Sindh administration have failed to increase the minimum wage. This is a missed opportunity to support the most vulnerable segment of society,” he remarked.
The announcement comes at a time when inflation has severely impacted purchasing power across the country, with essential commodities becoming increasingly unaffordable for daily wage earners. Labour unions and social welfare organisations have long been calling for a substantial raise in wages to match the economic realities faced by ordinary workers.
Aslam emphasised that KP’s decision was not just a financial policy, but a reflection of the provincial government’s commitment to economic justice and social responsibility. He urged other provinces and the federal government to follow suit, stressing that harmonised and fair wage policies are essential for nationwide economic stability and social equity. The KP government’s move has been welcomed by labour rights activists and workers’ associations, who praised the step as a much-needed relief for the working class.
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