WWB Sindh: Trade unions, labour bodies concerned at irregularities

KARACHI: Trade unions, labour support organisations and civil society groups on Tuesday voiced serious concerns over alleged irregularities in the Workers Welfare Board Sindh and warned of attempts to render its newly constituted board dysfunctional. Addressing a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, representatives of the organisations Abdul Razak Memon (Pakistan Workers Federation (PWF), Amanullah Dahiri (Watan Dost Mazdoor Federation), Zehra Khan (Home-Based Women Workers Federation (HBWWF), Mukhtiar Awan (Pakistan United Workers Federation (PUWF), Haider Abbas (PILER), Nuzhat Shereen (Women Action Forum), Tahir Hassan Khan ( Karachi Union of Journalist, Khizar Qazi (Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP), KUJ ) and Liaqat Ali Sahi( Democratic Workers Union ) said multiple petitions had been filed against the recently notified board, including a latest move that resulted in a court stay order against workers’ representatives. They urged the court to vacate the stay and issue a final verdict safeguarding the interests of workers. The speakers said the board, reconstituted after approval by the Sindh cabinet and notified on February 4, 2026, had in its first meeting decided to investigate and recover around Rs25 billion allegedly misused during the tenure of the previous management. The meeting, held on March 3 under Sindh Labour Minister Saeed Ghani, resolved to initiate recovery proceedings and probe alleged corruption. They claimed that once the board moved to address corruption and restore the institution’s mandate, “vested interests” became active to obstruct its functioning. Highlighting alleged irregularities, the speakers pointed to multi-billion rupee repair contracts for labour colonies and schools, which they said involved violations of rules and lack of actual work. They also cited an Rs8 billion accidental and health scheme, claiming it fell outside the board’s mandate and was not part of the approved budget. Other allegations included release of over Rs3 billion for an e-bike scheme, Rs700 million for a sewing machine project, and more than Rs1 billion for purchase of an office in Clifton despite the availability of an existing facility. They further questioned a Rs450 million digitalisation project, terming it a waste of public funds. The organisations demanded immediate intervention by the Sindh government, support from Chief Minister and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, and full accountability of those involved in alleged corruption and misuse of authority. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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