The Islamabad district administration sealed two shopping malls in Sector D-17 on Sunday for failing to comply with labor laws and not paying employees the required minimum wage of Rs. 37,000 per month.
According to official sources, the workers at these malls were subjected to long working hours, ranging from 12 to 14 hours daily. However, they were paid only Rs. 18,000 to Rs. 20,000 per month, which is significantly lower than the legally mandated minimum wage. Additionally, employees were deprived of their entitled monthly leave, with any absence treated as unpaid leave.
This action was taken following an investigation under the direction of Assistant Commissioner Islamabad, Yasir Nazir. He noted that the two malls were found to be in clear violation of the country’s labor laws, which are designed to protect workers’ rights and ensure fair wages for their work.
The federal government had previously instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Islamabad to enforce labor laws more rigorously across the capital to ensure that businesses comply with regulations meant to safeguard workers. This crackdown is part of the ongoing efforts to hold businesses accountable for labor violations and improve the working conditions of employees.
The sealing of these malls underscores the administration’s commitment to upholding labor rights and ensuring that workers are treated fairly. It is expected that other businesses in Islamabad will now face closer scrutiny to ensure compliance with labor laws, particularly regarding wages, working hours, and employee benefits.
As the case develops, it is likely that more businesses could face similar penalties if found guilty of violating labor regulations, sending a strong message to employers about the importance of treating workers with respect and adhering to legal requirements.
