Labor Standards, Labor Policy, and Compliance Mechanisms: A Case Study in Pakistan

Abstract

This article examines labor standards, policies, and compliance mechanisms in Pakistan, focusing on the textile industry, a critical economic sector. Utilizing the International Labor Organization (ILO) framework, it assesses the alignment of Pakistan’s labor policies with international standards and investigates enforcement challenges through a qualitative case study of the 2012 Ali Enterprises factory fire in Karachi. The study addresses three questions: (1) What are labor standards under the ILO? (2) Does Pakistan’s labor policy align with ILO standards? (3) How can compliance be improved to protect workers’ rights? By integrating theoretical frameworks, empirical data, and visual aids, the article proposes strategies to enhance compliance and safeguard labor rights, emphasizing systemic reforms in Pakistan’s labor governance. Additionally, it explores theoretical implications for compliance theory, contributing to academic discourse on labor regulation.