Sindh has played a significant role in implementing the requirements of the European Union’s Generalized Scheme of Preferences Plus (GSP Plus), as stated by government spokesperson Sukhdev Hemnani today. The province has promoted major reforms in various sectors, particularly in labor rights and child welfare.
Sindh has made remarkable progress in improving the condition of workers, where the minimum wage has increased from 6,000 to 40,000 rupees since 2008. Laws such as the Benazir Mazdoor Card and the Sindh Home-Based Workers Act confirm Sindh’s commitment to protecting its workforce, including agricultural, industrial, and domestic workers.
Significant progress has also been made in child protection measures. Thanks to a comprehensive child protection system, child labor has decreased by 50%, and new laws have banned child labor in domestic environments. The province’s 14 billion rupee early childhood development program is benefiting over 885,000 children, focusing on critical aspects such as health and education. Additionally, 3,000 informal education centers are being established to bring out-of-school children back into the educational fold.
In the health sector, the child mortality rate has been reduced to 2.9%, significantly lower than the national average of 5.4%. The People’s Poverty Reduction Program has economically empowered approximately 1.5 million women, while the Sindh People’s Housing for Flood Affectees initiative has been recognized globally as the largest public asset transfer program, offering women climate-resistant homes.
Sindh is also advancing in legal reforms, where the minimum marriage age has been set at 18 years. Gender-based violence courts and anti-rape crisis cells have increased the conviction rate in rape cases to 22%. The province’s comprehensive human rights policy further strengthens its commitment to international agreements.
The protection of minorities has also been made a key area, with the restoration of over 400 places of worship and the provision of scholarships and welfare facilities to minority communities. Enhanced security and interfaith harmony initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to inclusivity.
Under the leadership of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah, Sindh is committed to sustainable development across all social sectors.