LHC orders formulation of policy for domestic workers

The Lahore High Court here on Tuesday directed Chief Secretary Punjab and Labour Secretary to formulate a policy for domestic workers. The court with these directions disposed of a public interest petition for domestic workers. Pleading the petition, Sheraz Zaka argued that Punjab Restriction on Employment of Children Act 2016 solely applies on children working in industrial establishments whereas there is no policy/regulation for children working at homes.
The lawyer further argued that recently Supreme Court took a suo motu notice against maltreatment meted out to a minor girl, Tayaba, at the house of a session judge in Islamabad. He said child labour menace had increased due to non existence of policy or regulation for the domestic workers.
He said workers doing similar nature work in industrial establishments were regulated under industrial relations act, minimum wages act and Punjab Restriction on Employment of Children Act 2016.
He stated that Pakistan had not ratified the domestic workers convention but in light of superior court's judgments, international laws could be relied upon to formulate the policy.
A law officer however opposing the petition said it was not maintainable.