President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of laborers and protecting their rights on Wednesday, as the world marked International Labour Day, according to state-run Radio Pakistan.
In separate messages issued to commemorate the occasion, President Zardari urged Pakistani employers to ensure fair wage practices, prioritize worker safety and health, and provide necessary training and protective equipment to laborers, particularly those working in hazardous environments.
Highlighting the theme of this year’s Labour Day, which focuses on ensuring workplace safety and health amidst climate change, President Zardari emphasized the unprecedented challenges faced by laborers in Pakistan, including inflation, rising living costs, unemployment, and the adverse impacts of climate change.
He underscored the crucial role of the state in protecting workers’ rights, implementing policies to end labor exploitation, and providing social support. President Zardari called for measures to improve the welfare of the working class, including adequate wages, safe working conditions, health coverage, and educational facilities for their children.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif honored the sacrifices of workers who have dedicated their lives to advocating for their rights. He reiterated the government’s commitment to align domestic labor legislation with global standards, acknowledging the invaluable contributions of workers to Pakistan’s progress.
یوم مزدور، یکم مئی 2024 کے موقع پر وزیر اعظم پاکستان محمد شہباز شریف کا پیغام
— PTV News (@PTVNewsOfficial) April 30, 2024
آج ہم ملک کے ان تمام محنت کشوں کو خراج تحسین پیش کرتے ہیں جو رزق حلال کے حصول کی خاطر کھیتوں، کھلیانوں، کارخانوں اور مختلف شعبوں میں محنت سے دن رات اس ملک کی معیشت اور اسکی تعمیر و ترقی میں اپنا کلیدی… pic.twitter.com/A8hqFOGf05
PM Shehbaz emphasized the government’s priority of ensuring occupational safety and health, announcing plans to convene the National Tripartite Labour Conference to address related issues. He acknowledged the economic challenges faced by the country and reaffirmed the government’s efforts to alleviate the hardships experienced by low-income groups through subsidies, social security, and poverty alleviation programs.
Paying tribute to the resilience and dedication of women workers, PM Shehbaz highlighted the importance of sustainable economic growth in creating job opportunities and fostering prosperity. The government of Pakistan also recognized the tireless efforts of workers in promoting the nation’s growth and prosperity.
On International #Labour Day, we honor the tireless efforts of workers who form the foundation of every nation's growth, progress and prosperity.
— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 1, 2024
We are working together to foster a brighter, more equitable future, while we recognize the resilience and dedication of all workers.… pic.twitter.com/EZaSHPpbZW
Additionally, Senate Chairman Yusuf Raza Gilani acknowledged the significant role of laborers and workers in national progress, emphasizing the government’s commitment to upholding labor rights and improving working conditions.
However, despite the government’s pledges, workers in Pakistan continue to face challenges such as hazardous working conditions, lack of safety nets, and limited union representation. While efforts have been made to improve conditions, particularly in the textile industry, more needs to be done across various sectors to ensure the well-being of laborers. Various public and private organizations in Pakistan are hosting events to honor laborers on International Labour Day.