Pakistan Advances Draft of New National Occupational Safety & Health Policy
The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and HR Development, with ILO support, reviewed the zero draft of a comprehensive OSH policy aimed at improving workplace safety across formal and informal sectors.
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How This Affects the Exchange
Sector Effect
Positive · Buy bias
Enhanced workplace safety is likely to boost productivity and reduce costs for industrial and manufacturing firms, creating a Buy bias on related tickers.
Sectors & Direction
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Desk call: Buy bias · Positively affected
- Industrial ServicesPositively affected
- ManufacturingPositively affected
- ConstructionPositively affected
- EnergyPositively affected
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Companies Mentioned
- ISL· Positively affected · Buy bias
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Sectors: Industrial Services, Manufacturing, Construction, Energy — Positive · Buy bias. PSX tickers: ISL. Enhanced workplace safety is likely to boost productivity and reduce costs for industrial and manufacturing firms, creating a Buy bias on related tickers.
Full Story
Open on Business Recorder## Overview
Pakistan is moving forward with a draft National Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) Policy that brings together federal and provincial authorities, employers, workers, and a range of stakeholders. The initiative is led by the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (MOPHRD) with technical assistance from the International Labour Organization (ILO).
## Consultation Process
A National Stakeholders’ Consultation held in Islamabad examined the zero draft and its implementation framework. Participants included government representatives, employer bodies such as the Employers’ Federation of Pakistan (EFP), labour unions like the Pakistan United Workers Federation (PUWF), occupational health experts, academia, and other interested parties.
## Policy Scope
The proposed policy seeks to protect workers across both formal and informal employment, acknowledging the specific needs of women, youth, older workers, persons with disabilities, migrants, home‑based, domestic, agricultural, and platform workers. It aligns with ILO Conventions No 155 and No 187 and emphasizes a preventive, forward‑looking approach that addresses emerging risks such as extreme heat, climate change, chemical and biological hazards, technological change, and psychosocial stress.
## Government Statements
Federal Secretary Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry emphasized that economic progress must be coupled with the safety of the workforce, noting that a robust OSH framework can boost productivity and help Pakistan compete globally. ILO Country Director Geir T. Tonstol highlighted that the policy is being built on evidence and stakeholder input, aiming for practical implementation rather than a mere document.
## Implementation and Coordination
While provinces retain responsibility for enforcement, the national framework will facilitate coordination, shared priorities, and alignment with international labour standards. The policy also paves the way for future ratification of ILO OSH conventions.
## Potential Market Implications
Improved occupational safety can enhance operational efficiency and reduce accident‑related costs for companies in sectors such as industrial services, manufacturing, construction, and energy. Firms that adapt early may gain a competitive edge and attract socially responsible investment.
## Outlook
The OSH policy is expected to undergo further refinement before formal adoption, with continued engagement from all stakeholder groups to ensure effective rollout across Pakistan’s diverse economy.