Karachi: A coalition of trade unions, labor support organizations, and civil society groups has raised concerns over attempts to destabilize the Sindh Workers Welfare Board, a key labor welfare institution. The coalition claims that these efforts are aimed at hindering investigations into alleged financial irregularities during the tenure of the previous board management.
According to Home-Based Women Workers Federation, the newly established board, which convened its first meeting on March 3, 2026, decided to probe and recover around Rs. 25 billion purportedly misappropriated by the former management. The board’s actions have reportedly prompted multiple legal petitions aimed at obstructing its function, including a recent court-issued stay order against workers’ representatives.
The coalition highlighted major financial irregularities, including unauthorized expenditures on repair contracts, health schemes, and procurement projects. These include Rs. 8 billion allocated for an unauthorized health scheme, Rs. 3 billion for an unplanned e-bike scheme, and Rs. 700 million for sewing machines, among others. Concerns were also raised about the purchase of an expensive office in Clifton and a Rs. 450 million digitalization project, both lacking transparency and board approval.
The coalition is urging the Sindh government and political leaders to intervene, hold accountable those responsible for corruption, and ensure the board’s independence. They affirm their commitment to reforming labor welfare institutions and call for the prioritization of workers’ welfare.