PUK Works to Improve the Lives of Tradespeople, Retailers and Craftsmen

Reports 01:27 PM - 2025-11-01

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The Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), as a major political force in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq, has consistently worked to defend the rights of tradespeople, retailers, and craftsmen, launching numerous projects and initiatives aimed at improving their living standards and ensuring their economic stability. As part of its agenda for the sixth term of the Iraqi Parliament, the PUK has developed comprehensive plans and strategies to serve these vital sectors of society, with a strong focus on employment, social protection, and sustainable livelihoods.

PUK's Programme for Tradespeople, Retailers and Craftsmen

Tradespeople, retailers, and craftsmen are a part of the backbone of the country and represent a vital part of Kurdish society. The PUK is committed to supporting their welfare and safeguarding their rights through a range of concrete measures:

1. Working in the Iraqi Parliament to pass laws that protect the rights and privileges of workers, traders, and professionals.
2. Providing access to comprehensive health and social insurance.
3. Ensuring proper safety measures for workers across all sectors.
4. Reducing taxes and fees to ease the financial burden on workers and traders.
5. Establishing fair and regulated working hours to improve quality of life and productivity.

Through these initiatives, the PUK aims to strengthen the foundation of Kurdish society and improve the daily lives of those who contribute most to the region’s economic and social development.

PUK President Bafel Jalal Talabani’s Commitment

Hakim Almas Fazil, candidate number 20 of the PUK's List 222 in the Kirkuk constituency, told PUKMEDIA: “The PUK has always recognised the role, struggle, and contributions of the working class, traders, retailers, and craftsmen. Under the direct supervision of President Bafel Jalal Talabani, the party’s programme for this term aims to introduce social and health insurance for these groups.”

He added that the PUK is also working to establish a pension mechanism that guarantees financial security for these workers after retirement, ensuring they can enjoy the rewards of their lifelong service and dedication.

“The PUK has done a great deal for workers in the past, and this time we aim to fully secure their rights and entitlements,” he said.

Towards Living Standards Comparable to Developed Countries

In line with President Bafel’s vision, the PUK seeks to ensure that the lives of workers in Kurdistan are comparable to those of workers in developed countries. President Bafel Jalal Talabani has repeatedly met with representatives of workers, traders, and professionals to listen to their demands and address their concerns, instructing PUK representatives in government to facilitate their needs and defend their rights.

Dr. Nabaz Majid Amin, candidate number 22 of the PUK's List 222 in Erbil constituency, told PUKMEDIA: “The PUK’s agenda for the sixth parliamentary term is multidimensional and serves all sections of society. One of the priorities is the welfare of tradespeople, retailers, and craftsmen. We are determined to secure their full rights so that they can enjoy standards similar to workers in developed countries such as Malaysia and Singapore.”

Dr. Nabaz added that the PUK has conducted a comprehensive scientific study on the economic and social conditions of citizens and will go to Baghdad with a strong and realistic programme.

“Our aim is to improve the economic conditions of the people and to ensure that every citizen enjoys greater rights and welfare,” he said.

A Legacy of Service and Advocacy

Defending the rights of tradespeople, retailers, and craftsmen has been a core principle of the PUK since its foundation. From the early days in the mountains to the urban phase of the Kurdish struggle, the party has championed the establishment of trade unions and supported progressive legislation to protect workers’ rights in successive governments. Today, under the leadership of President Bafel Jalal Talabani, the PUK continues to strengthen its efforts to improve the welfare and dignity of workers, traders, and professionals across the Kurdistan Region and Iraq.

The PUK is contesting the 2025 Iraqi parliamentary elections, scheduled for 11 November, across several governorates, presenting its candidates on an independent list numbered 222 in Erbil, Sulaymaniyah (including Halabja), Duhok, Kirkuk, and Diyala. In Nineveh Governorate, the PUK is running as part of the "Nineveh People’s Union Coalition" with number 281, while in Saladin it is fielding one candidate within the "National Masses Coalition" with number 240.

Overall, the PUK is entering the elections with 156 candidates: 36 in Sulaymaniyah, 30 in Erbil, 5 in Duhok, 24 in Kirkuk, 28 in Diyala, 31 in Nineveh within the Nineveh People’s Union Coalition, and one candidate each in Saladin and Baghdad.



PUKMEDIA