Islamabad – The National Commission for Human Rights (NCHR) filed a landmark constitutional petition on Friday in the Federal Constitutional Court aiming to end manual sewer cleaning nationwide and ensure the enforcement of health and safety laws for sanitation workers. The petition was filed under Article 184 and was heard by a three-member bench led by Justice Aminuddin.
The NCHR highlighted the extreme risks faced by sanitation workers, who continue to perform deadly tasks without proper protective equipment, training, or safety protocols. The commission emphasized that manual sewer cleaning violates fundamental rights, including the right to life, dignity, equality, and safe working conditions.
During the hearing, NCHR’s pro bono lawyer Barrister Iqbal Nasar informed the bench about a recent worker fatality in Sindh, stressing the urgent need for government intervention. Following the arguments, the court issued notices to the respondents.
NCHR Chairperson Rabia Jawed Agha stated, “Manual sewer cleaning is not only exploitative but inhumane. No person’s life should be endangered for work that should not require human hands.”
This marks the first constitutional review of sanitation workers’ rights in Pakistan and could set a precedent for labor dignity, occupational safety, and equal legal protection.
