Introduction

The Punjab Labour Code 2026 is a landmark reform that brings together more than two dozen fragmented labour laws into a single modern code and aligns provincial law more closely with International Labour Standards and constitutional guarantees.

The new Punjab Labour Code has the potential to transform the lives of millions of working people, from factory workers and nurses to domestic, agricultural and platform workers. For the first time, one coherent law recognises that all workers deserve dignity, protection and a voice at work, regardless of where or how they are employed.

The Punjab Labour Code is directly applicable to the province’s 48 million-strong labour force. It also has an indirect impact on the remaining 50 million working-age people who are not in the active labour force for various reasons (Punjab’s total working age population is 98 million, as per the LFS 2024-25).

The team at the Centre for Labour Research played a key role in drafting the Punjab and Sindh Labour Codes. The Punjab Labour Code was enacted on 10 February 2026. The Sindh Labour Code Bill is still being discussed at the Cabinet level.