PESHAWAR: Chief Minister of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ali Amin Khan Gandapur, marked Labour Day with a strong tribute to the province’s workforce, calling them the “backbone of development and prosperity.”
In a statement issued Thursday, the chief minister emphasised the indispensable role of workers in building the region’s economy and infrastructure. “Behind every building constructed, every road laid, and every institution functioning, lies the hard work of a labourer,” Gandhapur said. He hailed their contributions as foundational to the progress of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
He described Labour Day as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices and struggles of workers, whose efforts often go unrecognised. “These unsung heroes silently strengthen our economy and build the foundations of our cities,” he noted.
Highlighting his government’s initiatives for worker welfare, Gandapur said substantial progress had been made, but acknowledged more remains to be done. “As a public servant, I proudly say that we have taken significant steps to uplift the working class, though our journey is far from over.”
Among the key initiatives for the fiscal year 2024–25:
Educational Support: Scholarships worth Rs 729.3 million were awarded to children of workers. Parents of students in Workers Welfare Board schools received Rs 135.2 million in financial aid, including Rs 18.3 million for transport (benefiting 11,000 students), Rs 42.3 million for uniforms, and Rs 74.6 million for textbooks (benefiting 14,000 students).
Skills Development: Under the Khushal Pakhtunkhwa program, 3,811 children of workers were enrolled in modern skill-based courses, including Chinese language and artificial intelligence.
Family Assistance: Financial support included Dowry Grants of Rs 400,000 each to 341 families (over Rs 130 million total) and Death Grants of Rs 800,000 each to 44 families (amounting to Rs 336 million).
Housing & Pilgrimage: A total of 2,056 flats in the Regi Lalma Labour Complex are ready for allotment to industrial workers. Additionally, 10 workers will be sponsored for Hajj this year.
“These measures are a practical demonstration of our commitment to improving the lives of workers,” Gandapur stated. “But our ambition extends far beyond what has been achieved so far.”
The chief minister concluded with a heartfelt tribute to the workers of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, calling them the “true identity and valuable asset” of the province. He urged society to recognise the dignity of labour and join hands in building a region where workers are respected, supported, and protected.
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