Chess is gaining outmatched popularity in Pakistan, with several tournaments and clubs supporting the game across Pakistan. The Chess Federation of Pakistan is the largest chess community in the country, hosting events and providing a platform for young players to compete locally and internationally. There are also regular chess tournaments, such as the KLCC Youm e Takbeer & NSTC Preparatory Rapid Chess Tournament and the King’s Chess Club Blitz Chess Tournament, which help players polish their skills.

In collaboration with Chess Federation of Pakistan 2nd National Schools Team Chess Championship is being held on 31st May and 1st June 2025, commenced with remarkable enthusiasm at the Lahore Grammar School Senior Boys Campus, Johar Town, Lahore. The event will bring together talented young chess players from across Pakistan, showcasing their strategic skills in an intellectually vibrant environment.

In recent years, Chess has not been paid required attention in Pakistan. However, with efforts of Chess Federation of Pakistan and Prime Minister’s National Mind Sports Initiative, recently many events have been organized to encouraged youth. 2nd National Schools Team Chess Championship is one of those events being arranged with top-tier facilities and world-class arrangements at LGS Johar Town, Lahore. Participants from Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan, Islamabad, Azad Jammu & Kashmir (AJK), and Gilgit-Baltistan, are actively taking part in this prestigious competition. Winning Team will represent Pakistan in the World Schools Team Championship 2025 (WSTC). The competition will take place in Washington, D.C./Alexandria, USA, from August 2 (arrival) to August 7 (departure), 2025.

A host of renowned educational institutions are participating, including:

• The City School
• Beaconhouse School System
• Aitchison College
• Lahore Grammar School (Various campuses)
• Karachi Grammar School
• Learning Alliance International
• Trinity School
• International Grammar School & College
• BVS Parsi High School
• Karachi School
• Crescent Model School
• The International Grammar School & College
• Scarsdale International School

It is expected that 2nd National Schools Team Chess Championship will pave way for critical thinking, strategy, and national unity. With players from diverse backgrounds and regions, the event stands as a testament to Pakistan’s growing chess culture and the importance of intellectual sports in youth development. The Education/Sports Minister will present awards to the winners of the 2nd National Schools Team Chess Championship 2025 on Sunday, 1 June 2025, 4:00 PM.

The post 2nd National Schools Team Chess Championship first appeared on Pakistan Times.

Labour rights in Pakistan are protected under the 1973 Constitution and various labour laws, safeguard fair wages, safe working conditions, and the right to unionize pertaining to any breach of laws and ill-treatment. However, challenges remain, especially for informal sector workers who often lack formal and legal protections. Informal Workers in factories, construction sites and households suffering from poor working conditions, inadequate wages, old age benefits and the lack of social security. Despite the laws, workers are majorly exploited in many ways.

One of the major issues is the inadequate wages the workers receive. Sometimes, they are paid way below the minimum wage set by the government, this usually leads to multiple difficulties for the workers such as affording basic needs like food, shelter, or the education for their children. Employers must take responsibility for paying sufficient wages, and the government should make sure all the labour laws are implemented in letter and spirit, everywhere in the country.

Another major issue is the unsafe working environment or conditions^. Many workers in mines and factories are forced to work in a dangerous environment without any safety measures taken by the companies hiring the workers at all, this could lead to work accidents, certain injuries and sometimes it could lead to unfortunate or unexpected deaths. The workers should be required to follow some safety rules and regulations and workers should be provided with the safety equipment or gear.  Fortunately, there are specific laws for particular industries, such as the Mines Act of 1923 and the Dock Workers (Safety, Health, and Welfare) Ordinance, of 1965. 

Working Hours are never assigned. Average working hours per day are 9 hours including one hour break for lunch and prayer time. But with overtime, the daily working hours can be extended up-to 12 hours. Keeping in view the human body ability to perform, working hours should not exceed 48 hours per week and with overtime, 56 hours per week.

 Inadequate access to healthcare, social protection, Old Age benefits. The majority of labour class in Pakistan live and work without protection against risks like illness, unemployment, poverty in old age and property loss. Illnesses and poverty leave workers less productive; it reduces a worker’s ability to work while expensive treatments drain already inadequate income. Moreover, a lack of sufficient income can lead to health problems. Absence of health insurance and social security in informal sector makes it impossible for labour class to have access to basic necessities of life including health and education and savings for future.

Islamic laws and state laws stand in juxtaposition where Islam teaches us to treat our workers with fairness and dignity, state laws supposedly make sure informal working class is not deprived of their basic right. However, violation of these laws on small to large scale is common. Particularly when underprivileged working class remains uneducated. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said,

“Pay your worker his wages before his sweat dries.”

This hadith shows the importance of paying wages on time and giving fair wages. Islam also says that we should deal with our workers kindly and justly. In the Quran Pak, Allah commands Muslims to honestly deal and fulfil our promises. Treating workers with respect and justice, while paying them fair wages, as well as ensuring their safety or well-being aren’t just legal responsibilities but also moral and religious duties in Islam for a good Muslim. Haqooq-ul-Ibad explains what the duties of Muslims are towards others. Quran says:

“O you who believe, stand firmly for justice.”-Quran

Oppression in any form is forbidden. Unsettled working hours, unjust treatment including man handling, not giving workers time to relax, even not giving prayer breaks is considered exploitation indirectly and oppression directly. Companion Abdullah bin Umar RA narrates that there was someone who came to the Messenger of Allah and said, “O Messenger of Allah, how many times I have to forgive my servant? Prophet did not say anything to hear this question. Then he repeated the question,” O Messenger of Allah, how many times I have to forgive my servant? Then Rasullullah answer. “Please forgive him, in a day for seven hundred times.” (Narrated by Abu Dawood and Turmudzi)

The Constitution of 1973 provides fundamental rights to labourers/workers. There are many laws made for protection of labour. However, lake of education and awareness, labourer are not aware of their rights hence exploited most of the time by employer in many different ways.

Different laws constructed for protection of Labour rights:

Article 37 stipulates just and humane conditions of work, ensuring that children and women are not employed in vocations unsuited to their age or sex, and for maternity benefits for women in employment.

Article 11 prohibits slavery and forced and child labour.

Article 17 grants freedom of association and the right to form unions.

Article 25 grants equality before the law and prohibition of discrimination on the grounds of sex alone

To improve the situation the government should ensure that the labour laws are properly implemented. Employees should be provided a fair wage, a safe working environment and job security. Workers should be educated about their own rights so that they can speak up for themselves and demand for fair wages or treatment according to the work environment, safety conditions and care taken by the employers.

It is the need of hour that authorities take stern action to protect informal workers by effective legislation and implementation, removing gender biases in labour laws and policies, penalties against child labour, policing and accountability permanently. There are semi-governmental and non-profits which work hand in hand with both stake holders viz a viz informal working class and employers. Advocacy campaigns to create awareness about rights is mandatory to bring harmony. A society cannot witness growth if injustices are not controlled. So, let’s join hands to speak up for those who are unable to raise their voices against unjust treatments at their workplace.

The post Labour Laws Awareness, Compliance and Outcomes first appeared on Pakistan Times.

Nabeeha khan

Appreciation is the key to uplift the worker’s soul in response to hard work they do in daily lives. The basic rule of human psychology; the working capabilities nurture with appreciation. However Ongoing denial of rights of our domestic and manual workers of Pakistan has become a common practice and matter of utmost concern. Here question arises how praising workers and forgiving them for small mistakes is bearable?

Bigger the stature bigger the duties: It is employers’ duty to see to it that all these vulnerable sections of society are treated with the honour and respect. Islamic teachings emphasize the sanctity of work and just treatment of workers. However, domestic workers face long hours, poor pay, and mistreatment, while manual laborers face dangerous working conditions and lack of protective measures.

Whereas ill treatment is common and is not in accordance with Islam, appreciation is also lacking. A gallop survey says 66% of highly recognized employees agree that they trust their everyday team members at workplace. It is noticed that workers who are praised and appreciated tend to be more productive at workplace. keeping in view the importance of just treatments, fair wages and protection of rights of everyday labourer it is also important to appreciate and honour them with praise and incentives. We don’t need to give them appreciation certificates; it can start with a simple Thank you.

The significance of enforcing labour laws, promoting formal employment, raising awareness about their pain and suffering, and promoting ethical practices. It is state’s responsibility to create a social security safety for vulnerable workers. By working together, a society can be created where the dignity of labor is
upheld, and all workers are treated with the respect they deserve, according to the teachings of Islam.

Besides state’s handling to improve laws for labour today we need a behavioral and social transformation towards labour class on individual level. Islam reflects justice through its teachings and emphasis is on improving behaviors towards everyone including labour class. A harmonious society can be built on Islamic principles if we as nation are ready to bring changes in behaviors and start giving respect to labourer.

The post Honour the hard work of Labour with Appreciation! first appeared on Pakistan Times.

by Hajra Seithi

Have you ever heard Chottayyy! table no 11 te roti de. No?? so here is reality of all “chottay” and “chotties” in Pakistan. Child Labour is increasing in Pakistan with alarming rates. It is disturbing and heartbreaking to see children who should be playing outside or studying, but they are sent to work in factories and dangerous industries. These children’s rights are stolen away from them. The right to education and the chance to have a bright future are taken from them.

Child labour is a worldwide problem, but it is worse in Pakistan. Eleven million Pakistani children are working as child labour. Poverty is culprit here because child labour does not get fair treatment, it is easy to suppress him/her, it is easy to abuse her because he or she is helpless without their vigilant guardian. They are forced to do unsafe jobs with little to no protection. These children suffer physically, mentally, emotionally even sexually abused. They do not get a normal childhood, and it is not fair. These become psychologically unfit for society because what they get will send.

Islam teaches that children should be cared for and treated with love and affection. They should get emotional support, and kindness should be encouraged, but due to child labour, children’s basic needs are neglected. Islam teaches that children should have the right to be educated.

“Seeking knowledge is an obligation upon every Muslim.” (Ibn Majah)

Children should have protection. Children should not be physically, mentally, and emotionally harmed in any circumstances because they are builders of future.

‘Do not harm yourselves or others.”(Sunan Ibn Majah)

Child labour often involves long working hours in harsh conditions leading to physical harm. It
may also cause mental health issues due to the burden of overworking the children. Children may also face anxiety and depression due to a lack of emotional support. In Islam, children have the right to fair treatment. They must be treated fairly and equally, but child labour goes against it. There is a hadith:

“Fear Allah and be just to your children.” (Sahih Bukhari)

1. Not only Islam but state also provides children with right to have education and that too is free on public level. A change in mind set toward education of children is must, for that campighns on social media n electronic media should run.
2. However there should be more schools in rural areas, and facilities in public schools should improve.
3. There should also be more scholarship opportunities for underprivileged students.
   

Islam shows importance in providing their family without burdening the child at a young age.

“You are responsible for your flock.” (Sahih Muslim)

We should implement more Child support. Parents should be accessible to loans to start a small business.
It is government’s responsibility to control poverty hence people could improve their living standards; whereas no parent is forced to send children to work depriving them of education and right to live happy childhood.

Hence Islam is against harming yourself or others, so it is important to eradicate child labour and harming children. Strict laws could be enforced against child labour especially in dangerous workplaces like factories and non-environment friendly industries. It is very important to raise more awareness and empower child rights organisations. It is collective responsibility of society to protect children rights. Hence following the principles of justice taught in Islam will bear fruit of better growth and unburdened generation.

The post Chotaaa!! The Child who does all Big Works first appeared on Pakistan Times.

by Aiman Mustafa

Violations of the rights of domestic and manual labour in Pakistan is a critical subject. Where on one hand human rights are being defied and on other hand Islamic teachings are not followed by not giving due respect to labourer. Islam places great emphasis on the dignity of labour and protection of worker’s rights. Islamic teachings ensure that every person that works in an Islamic state is treated with equal rights, fair treatment and appropriate payment and the same working conditions no matter how easy or
hard the job is. Islam teaches us to be fair and just towards every segment of society regardless of cast, creed, nature of job they do.

Islam teaches us that no work is unworthy of appreciation. People working on jobs that are considered small yet hard and the people who are laborers deserve the same treatment as anyone else. Workers should receive fair and just wages based on their labor and effort. Favoritism is another key point at workplace that needs attention, where people are treated by employers on base of favoritism.

There should be safe working conditions and environment for every living soul who works. No matter how difficult or how easy the job may be there should be risk free working areas. The importance of fair
wages and just treatment is deeply embedded in Islamic teachings, as emphasized in the Qur’an and Hadith. The prophet Muhammmad (PBUH) said that:

“Your servants are your brothers whom Allah has placed under your authority. So if one has his brother under his authority, he should feed him with the same food he eats, clothe him with the same clothes
you wear, and not burden him beyond his capacity.”

Regardless of wealth, social status, or background, every worker deserves dignity and respect in their labor. Workers should not be treated on biases. In Pakistan, many domestic and manual laborers face mistreatment despite all the rights granted to them in Islam. They often receive low wages, work in dangerous conditions that can lead to serious harm or even death, and endure excessively long hours that impact their health. Many domestic workers, not only verbal, but also face physical abuse in domestic labour.

Even though Islam STRICTLY forbids this, it still occurs in Pakistan. To solve this issue the government of Pakistan should make sure that every one enjoys same treatment, same wages, same working conditions which are considered safe. Companies and employers should be encouraged, or even required, to follow fair labor standards and law designed to protect labourer in Pakistan.

Most importantly, society must shift its mindset to recognize that every job, no matter how small, deserves respect and fair treatment. It is pertinent to highlights the mistreatment of domestic and manual
laborers in Pakistan. Despite Islam’s emphasis on fair wages, just treatment, and safe working conditions, Labourer unfortunately are in deplorable conditions.

The post No job is Small, No job is Big!! first appeared on Pakistan Times.

As a student of humanities and a concerned citizen, this is unfortunate to see the deplorable plight of children’ domestic workers in Pakistan. Child domestic worker is found in every fourth household in Punjab. It has become an open secret that how badly these children are treated across Pakistan. Physical, emotional and financial abuse is very common.

In Islam, labor is held in high regard and is considered to be an essential part of human dignity. The Quran says that labor is an act of worship when done with sincerity and lawful means. Even the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“No one eats better food than that which he eats from the work of his own hands.”(Bukhari)

The importance of work is highlighted repeatedly in Islam and therefore rights have been instituted to manage workers and prevent them from being abused or exploited. Some of these rights are the right to protection from harassment and abuse. Workers are to be treated as equals, with kindness and respect. Islam forbids humiliation, abuse, and forced labor. Employers should not overburden workers beyond their capacity. The Prophet once said:

“Give the worker his wages before his sweat dries.” (Ibn Majah)

However, as an Islamic Republic, almost none of these rights are being practiced in Pakistan. The labour laws mention domestic workers only twice, the most recent one being established in 2019 by the Punjab Government, focusing on child labour. In Islam, child labour is strictly prohibited if it damages their health or oppresses them. Child domestic workers are abused, tortured and overworked, which is forbidden in Islam. They are silenced by their employers and stay quiet so as to not lose their jobs. For instance, the death of Iqra, a 13-year old child maid, was caused due to her employers beating her for allegedly stealing chocolates. This horrifying case happened just last year and many more have followed after this. UNICEF shows that about 3.3 million children in Pakistan are engaged in child labor. Women workers’ rights are abused as well as they face harassment at their workplace. The Home-Based Women Workers Federation revealed that 85% of women workers in Pakistan experience workplace harassment. 

The Quran says,

“ O you who have believed, let not a people ridicule [another] people…”. 

These violations of workers’ rights are deeply worrying as Islam teaches us to be kind to laborers and respect them. It is imperative that action should be taken to improve the rights of domestic and children workers in Pakistan. First and foremost, the strict implementation of the labor laws should be the first step to ensure the rights of laborers are not violated. Punishments should be given to employers against employing child domestic workers under the age of 15. Child labor under 15 should be banned. Moreover, there should be stern employer accountability to make sure that workers are in a safe and fair environment. Accessible complaint centers for workers to report abuse and any other issues should be set up. One reason for child labour is poverty and overpopulation. Therefore the government should incentivize parents to keep the number of children less and send them to school. Lastly, child domestic workers should get free education as a must so as to break the cycle of poverty in Pakistan. Islam also demands that children must be educated no matter what as it is their right. 

In the light of Islamic teachings, we must help the laborers and workers of Pakistan protect their dignity. They do hard work to make both ends meet and provide for their families. As Muslims, we must value every human being. 

The post Child Laborer’s Miseries first appeared on Pakistan Times.

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.

The post Worker’s welfare is societal welfare first appeared on Pakistan Times.

As members of civil society, we are aware of our rights and duties well. Islam preaches us to be just while it comes to duties, because a harmonious society is based on fair practices. But question arise do we really consider fulfilling duties according to what Islam teaches us!!

Everyday news reports and labour rights surveys depict unjust treatment towards labour class which concerns thousands of citizens across Pakistan. Many hardworking people are not paid enough, work
in bad condition, and are not treated with respect. Islam teaches us to pay them fairly and treat them with kindness. This is the result of moving away from the Islamic teachings. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said,

“Give the workers his wages before his sweat dries.”

This means workers should be paid on time and treated with fairness. Unfortunately, in Pakistan many workers

1. get low wages.

2. have to work too much

3. and are not even paid on time.

4. Some work in harsh conditions and

5. are treated poorly by their employers.

6. No one respects them and

7. think them as a burden.

Equality defined in Islam, makes it obligation to treat everyone justly. Fundamental human rights include provision of fair treatment to everyone without discrimination. However, every day we witness ill-treatments towards worker class. To resolve this issue, the government must make sure that labour laws are followed. The government authorities should visit workplaces more often to check if workers are
treated well and paid enough and paid justly. Employers should also be reminded of their religious duty to be honest and just to the workers. Schools, mosque and the media should spread awareness about workers’ rights. Organizations that support workers should be given help so they can provide legal and financial aid to those in needs.

Workers play a crucial role in our economy. Without them, our society can’t function. It is our duty to give them justice. Whoever works hard and earns honestly is the one who is on the right path but that doesn’t mean that they should not be given respect. A state constructed on fairness, kindness and respect for all, is a society Islam demands us.

The post Unjust Practices towards labourer first appeared on Pakistan Times.

Ayesha Irfan

Our faith emphasizes the need of fairness, justice and dignity in the workplace. According to Islam any physical or mental effort made to earn an honest living is considered labor, and all labors should be respected. Labors should be proud of their work regardless of their nature. As Islam teaches there is no hierarchy among professions.

Unfortunately, these rights are often violated in Islam. Many workers are not paid on time and are denied fair wages where-as the Quran states:

“And give the laborer his wage before his sweat dries.” (4:36)

Labors are forced to work long hours in hazardous conditions, and they are also oppressed, manipulated and abused. They are also often deprived of basic necessities like food, clothing and shelter. The lack of affective labor laws exploitation. Further-more the prevalence of child labor, laws and enforcement mechanisms leaves workers vulnerable to exploration. Furthermore, the prevalence of child labor, bonded labor (when someone is forced to work to pay of a debt) and forced labor is proof that we need to change our policies as soon as possible.

To address these issues, it is essential that we work together to strengthen labor laws and enforcement mechanisms. This can be achieved by spreading awareness through posters and campaigns. Supporting advocacy efforts and publishing policy reforms. Additionally, must take responsibility for ensuring fair labor practices. Workers should be given holidays and days off in case of injury, they are also human we should respect them.

The post Labour Rights in Islam first appeared on Pakistan Times.

by Arshia Azfar

Violation of rights faced by laborers in Pakistan, especially in light of Islamic teachings: has become the matter that need immanent attention. According to the teachings of Islam, every worker has the right to be treated with respect, to receive adequate wages, to work in safe conditions, and to be given their due rest. Unfortunately, many workers in Pakistan, particularly domestic helpers and Manual laborers, are deprived of these basic rights.

These workers often face harsh conditions, work long hours without proper rest and are not paid sufficiently. Many do not have job security and are subjected to physical and mental abuse. This is not only against human rights but also goes against the principles laid down by Islam.

Government should take strict action to protect the rights of workers. Employer should be made to pay fair wages and provide safe working conditions. Laws should be enforced to guarantee that workers are treated with respect and honour. With proper legal reforms and public awareness, the situation of domestic and Manual labourers can improve. Islam teaches us to respect and value the labor of others, and it is the time we reflect these values in our treatment of workers.

The post Violation of Rights of Domestic and Manual Labor first appeared on Pakistan Times.