Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz discusses labor reforms and Oman trade

Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif held high-level meetings to discuss labor welfare and international trade cooperation.

In a meeting with International Labour Organization (ILO) Director General Gilbert F. Houngbo, the Chief Minister detailed Punjab’s initiatives under the Labor Code 2026. Key measures include minimum wage increases, formal worker registration, and the establishment of specialized health and safety laboratories in Lahore and Faisalabad. The Chief Minister also highlighted efforts to combat child labor, noting that over 70,000 children were identified and 3,644 were transitioned to schooling. Additionally, 577 daycare centers are being established to support women in the workforce.

Separately, Maryam Nawaz met with Oman’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Water Resources, Saud bin Hamoud bin Ahmed Al Habsi. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in agriculture, fisheries, and livestock. Oman expressed interest in establishing a shrimp center in Punjab, while Punjab proposed exporting meat and milk to Muscat. The leaders also discussed easing visa restrictions to allow skilled Punjabi workers, trained through provincial development programs, to work in Oman.