In Multan, exploitation of workers by most mega stores like "Chase-up" and other business organizations is rampant due to a lack of effective mechanism of check and balance by the government. It seems as if there is no existence of law in the country to curb the exploiters and violators, Punjab Labour department has shut its eyes because of greasing their palms by the owners or managers of such stores. During a survey it came to our knowledge that "Chase-up" a mega store with its daily collection of Rs.7 to 8 million in Multan, 9 to 10 million in Faisalabad was hiring its staff against meagre salary and forcing them them serve at least 12 hours instead of eight hours without any overtime or any other facility. In the Budget, the federal government and the provincial governments of Punjab and Sindh have raised the minimum wage from Rs. 13,000 to Rs 15,000 per month for unskilled and uneducated workers. In Pakistan, minimum wages are determined by the Minimum Wage Boards constituted under the Ordinance 1961, which applies to all industrial establishments’ Shops, stores etc employees whether skilled, unskilled or apprentices and even domestic workers. When contacted the Director Labour Welfare said that he has directed owners of all factories and business centres to ensure implementation of the minimum monthly wage to workers and in case of failure, action will be initiated against violators. Despite that, the Ordinance and the directions have not been honoured by most industries, factories and business centres. Director admitted that influential traders and owners of mega stores and other business concerns do not lend ear to their advice.Instead they threaten to our inspectors for dire consequences if they take any action against them. A customer told this scribe secretly that they have hired fresh graduates as cashier against Rs.17000 to 19000 per month.They are binding to serve for eight hours as per agreement/ appointment letter but they are forced to work for 12 to 14 hours unlawfully.Shopkeepers in Multan cantonment,Gulgasht, New Multan, and Hussain agahi etc were also exploiting their servants ruthlessly. Deputy Commissioner Multan should constitute a raiding party to pay surprise visit to mega store and other business concerns to check the violation of labour laws.The following are some living examples of exploitations in the hands of malicious entities. Private Security Companies registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) under the Companies Ordinance, 1984 function in the country under the Federal Government Ordinance and Provincial Ordinances framed respectively. These companies are granted license by provincial home secretaries and commissioner concerned for operating in the respective jurisdictions. Security guards hired by these companies provide security services at organizations, institutions, events, banks, finance and commercial buildings, manufacturing units, residential colonies, health care setups and individuals in an intelligent and most suited customized form. However they are paid very small compensations .
