Khadija Bilal
There has been zero or very little attention paid to the rights for workers and laborers in Pakistan in past many years. From delayed wages to unsafe working conditions, the stories of exploitation are far too common to be ignored. As an Islamic country, it is expected of us; that these laborers should get the rights they deserve.
The rich often look down on the lower class who are busy in labor, which is extremely wrong. Labor is just as respectful as any other job. Allah loves the sweat that appears on a laborer’s brow while he works. Labor is something that should be very respected and certainly not looked down upon as it is now. Allah tells us to respect laborers and pay them on time. Question arises why they are discriminated against Islamic teachings?
Unfortunately, people tend to mistreat the ones who help them the most. It is unfair because without their efforts, seemingly perfect lifestyles would crumble. In a way the wages they earn is a repayment to those who contribute the most towards society. They toil day and night, often in unsafe conditions, just to earn so little.
They face verbal and physical abuse, harsh living conditions, and exploitation daily. Is it fair?
They lack access to necessities, is this fair?
Uncalled for delays in the salary! is this fair?
It is believed that this trend is very unhealthy to sabotage the efforts of workers and not following Islamic teachings. At least 80% of the laborers are paid less than their minimum wage. Ironically this is happening in an “Islamic Republic”, but there is no need of obeying Islamic principles.
These problems are usually caused by weak and inadequate laws that aren’t enforced effectively due to our current corrupt political systems, and many laborers are unaware of their own rights and how to claim them, because they purposefully kept ignorant. Plus, high rates of poverty force people to accept any work, regardless of the consequences, just to survive and pay for food. The government should begin to advocate for laws that ban exploitation and demand harsher punishments for employers who violate these laws.
As responsible citizens help should come from everyone by campaigning publicly to educate laborers about their rights, and by spreading the word about inequalities. Even the small start can bring results. The faith in Allah and only His orders are those Muslim nations follow blindly. It is important to understand that laborers are important part of society and their welfare is general welfare of society. Ensuring their rights would pave way for better future.
