COMPARISON OF INTERNATIONAL STANDARDS OF LABOR LAWS AND THEIR DEVELOPMENT IN PAKISTAN

Abstract

This article examines the development of workplace regulations within Pakistan against global benchmarks, notably those established by the Global Employment Commission (GEC). It explores the historical background of global employment directives and evaluates the country's legal, statutory, and organizational structures following the 18^th Charter Change. The assessment covers domains including collective organizing and joint negotiations, coerced work, underage employment, parity and fairness, remuneration, occupational settings, workplace security, and social coverage. The findings indicate that Pakistan has achieved noteworthy legal headway toward international employment standards through constitutional safeguards and endorsement of core GEC treaties. But there is a long way to go between the law and implementation. Restrictions on effective protection persist through informal employment, poor labor inspection, weak collective bargaining, gender inequality, lack of social security coverage, workplace hazards, child and bonded labor, institutional fragmentation, and lack of access to labor justice. The article concludes that, as Pakistan faces a growing enforcement challenge, it cannot find a shortage of rules. To achieve effective harmonization, its three elements strengthening of institutions, improving labor inspection, extending social protection, strengthening the coordination between the Federal and Provincial governments, and targeted legislative reform must all be put in place.