NOWSHERA: Labour leaders here on Friday called for urgent government action to revive closed industrial units and address rising unemployment and inflation, warning that the province’s economy is under severe strain.
Speaking at a large International Workers Day rally held in Nowshera under the banner of the Pakistan United Workers Federation, its provincial president Muhammad Iqbal said that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, once known for its industrial activity, has now turned into what he described as a “graveyard of closed factories.”
The rally began in Aman Garh on the Grand Trunk Road and concluded at Shobra Chowk, where it turned into a public gathering. It was attended by several labor leaders, including representatives of the Shama Ghee Mills Labour Union and other worker organisations. The participants carried banners and placards paying tribute to the historic struggles of workers, including the Chicago labor movement, while demanding fair wages and labor rights.
Addressing the gathering, Muhammad Iqbal said factory closures have led to rising unemployment, while inflation has made life increasingly difficult for working-class families. He criticised rising prices of essential commodities, fuel, and daily necessities, saying workers were being crushed under economic pressure while policymakers remained indifferent.
He also expressed concern over the performance of the Employees Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI), urging authorities to increase pensions and minimum wages in line with inflation. According to him, current wage and pension levels are insufficient for survival.
Iqbal also criticised the Workers Welfare Board and Social Security institutions, claiming that rising administrative costs are reducing the quality and availability of healthcare and other benefits for workers.
A key demand raised during the rally was the ownership rights of labour colonies. He argued that, under court rulings and labor welfare policies, workers are entitled to ownership rights of these colonies, as has already been implemented in provinces such as Sindh, Punjab, and Balochistan. He accused the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government of failing to implement the same rights, calling it discriminatory treatment against workers in the province.
