rivate security guards in the Punjab often work long hours for meagre salaries. Despite their crucial role in protecting properties and individuals, their compensations fail them, as they can barely maintain basic living standards.

A security guard employed at a passport office in Lahore tells TNS, “I am paid Rs 15,000 a month, whereas the minimum monthly salary fixed by the government is Rs 32,000 [it has now been raised to Rs 37,000].”

This scribe spoke with a number of guards working at various locations, including houses, factories and stores. They all seemed to be struggling to make ends meet. Many of them said they were forced to work multiple jobs or endure extended shifts without adequate rest, leading to physical and mental exhaustion.

Continued stress often manifests in disagreeable behaviours. Instances of private security guards being involved in violent acts have been reported. These raise serious concerns about the safety of both the guards and the public.

Labour rights activists are calling for immediate reforms to address the plight of private security guards. Muhammad Naeem Ghaus, the provincial secretary for Labour and Human Resource Department, says, “We are in contact with the Home Department to gather information on all guards working with security companies. We will make sure that all companies pay them [at least] the minimum wage fixed by the government.”

Continued stress often manifests in disagreeable behaviours. Instances of private security guards being involved in violent acts have been reported. These raise serious concerns about the safety of both the guards and the public.

He also speaks of regulations being introduced to stop exploitation of labour. He says that the department is committed to ensuring that security companies “adhere to labour laws and treat their employees with the respect and dignity they deserve.”

The situation of private security guards in the Punjab calls for a systemic change on urgent basis. While they are tasked to ensure safety and security of individuals, their living conditions undermine their ability to perform their jobs effectively. Paying lip-service to their grievances won’t help matters.

Syeda Kulsum Hai, director general of Labour and Human Resource Department, Punjab, says that the department will “make sure that those who protect us are also protected from hardship.

“We’ve held a meeting with directors to implement the minimum wages fixed by the government. Getting minimum wages is the right of every working person. The minimum wages law will be implemented in its true spirit. We are devising a mechanism for this purpose,” she adds.

Sher Ali Khalti is a reporter for The News