پاکستان میں اجرتی نظام کے اصول اور قانونی ڈھانچہ: ایک تجزیاتی تحقیق

THE PRINCIPLES AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK OF THE WAGE SYSTEM IN PAKISTAN: AN ANALYTICAL STUDY

Abstract

The issue of wage determination in Pakistan is not merely an economic concern but a critical social, legal, and human rights matter shaped by state policies, judicial frameworks, international conventions, and ground realities. Wages form the cornerstone of a laborer’s quality of life, social equity, and national economic growth. This research-based legal analysis explores in depth the principles, laws, and practical mechanisms involved in the determination of wages in Pakistan.The study begins by outlining the constitutional foundations that guarantee workers' rights, including fair wages, minimum wages, and economic justice. It then examines key legislative instruments such as the Minimum Wages Ordinance 1961, Payment of Wages Act 1936, Industrial Relations Act 2012, along with relevant provincial rules and regulations. It also critically evaluates the role and performance of wage-determining bodies like Minimum Wage Boards and Labor Departments.The research highlights various challenges within the wage system, including wage disparity, the disconnection between inflation and real wages, exploitation in the informal economy, and gender- and age-based wage discrimination.

 It identifies significant gaps in the implementation and enforcement of wage laws, which often result in systemic exploitation of the labor class.By integrating international standards especially ILO conventions and global best practices, this study provides a comparative framework to analyze the existing wage determination model in Pakistan. It incorporates judicial precedents, government reports, labor organization findings, and expert opinions to present a holistic and grounded understanding of the subject.The central aim of this research is to propose a wage system in Pakistan that is not only legally robust but also practically effective, socially just, and aligned with principles of economic equity. To this end, the study concludes with several actionable policy recommendations to reform the current wage structure and ensure fair compensation for all labor segments in accordance with contemporary socio-economic challenges.