President and Prime Minister Emphasize Labor Rights on International Labour Day

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have jointly emphasized the importance of empowering laborers and upholding their rights in their messages commemorating International Labour Day. The day, observed today (Thursday), serves as a reminder of the workforce’s vital role in national progress.

President Zardari highlighted the significance of skill development for the nation’s workforce, stating, “In today’s rapidly changing world, the key to securing a brighter future for our youth and workers lies in their skill development.” He also acknowledged the contributions, struggles, and sacrifices of the workers who have significantly contributed to the country’s growth.

He further emphasized the need to equip both workers and the younger generation with contemporary skills to effectively navigate the evolving job market. The President also appealed to governmental bodies, private sector companies, educational institutions, and civil society organizations to work together to build an inclusive environment that supports the advancement of labor skills.

“This day serves as a reminder of the historic battles waged by workers worldwide for their fundamental rights and dignity. Today, we reaffirm our dedication to their empowerment, fair compensation, secure working environments, and robust social protection,” he stated.

President Zardari underscored the crucial role of laborers and the working class as the primary drivers of economic activity and national advancement, recognizing their efforts in propelling the economy forward.

“Our workers are the backbone of our manufacturing sector, agriculture, small and medium-sized businesses, government operations, and other public services. Our workers are a source of national pride, and we owe our overall development to their dedication and contributions,” he added.

The President also urged collaboration among employers, trade organizations, civil society groups, and the public sector to foster a fair labor ecosystem and promote the well-being and advancement of workers.

“Let us honor our workforce through impactful policies, inclusive growth strategies, and a culture that appreciates labor in all its forms,” he emphasized.

Similarly, PM Shehbaz reaffirmed Pakistan’s firm dedication to fostering safe, healthy, and respectful working conditions for all workers, describing them as the core force driving the nation’s growth and resilience.

He affirmed that the safeguarding of fundamental labor rights is constitutionally guaranteed and is in line with the core principles of the International Labour Organisation (ILO), to which Pakistan is a committed signatory.

He further stated that Pakistan has implemented considerable legislative and administrative changes aimed at bolstering worker protections in line with these ideals.

“We have formally approved essential international labor agreements, notably the 2014 Protocol to the Forced Labour Convention and the Maritime Labour Convention, alongside pursuing new initiatives in workplace safety and health.”

He noted that, for the first time, every Pakistani worker benefits from a National Occupational Safety and Health Profile, which guarantees safer and healthier workplaces across the nation.

“Our administration has implemented key measures to broaden the scope and influence of entities like the Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) and the Workers Welfare Fund (WWF), ensuring that the benefits of our labor safeguards are shared more equitably across all segments of the workforce,” the Prime Minister added.

He explained that the government is shaping a future where every worker has access to dignity, safety, and opportunities through digitization and reforms in labor laws.

He noted that skill development programs, specifically those administered by the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) and the Technical Education and Vocational Training Authorities (TEVTAs), are being expanded, with an emphasis on empowering young people and women with relevant vocational training.

“On this important day, I encourage all stakeholders, including employers, workers, civil society, and government bodies, to unite in fostering a culture that values labor, protects workers’ rights, and provides opportunities for decent employment for everyone,” he concluded.