International Conference on Labour Day to Highlight Workers’ Rights

ISLAMABAD: The National Industrial Relations Commission (NIRC), in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), will host a significant international conference on May 1 in Islamabad, commemorating International Labour Day 2025.

The conference, taking place at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), is centered around the theme “Harmony with Change”. It seeks to foster discussion and consultation on workers’ entitlements, workplace harmony, and legislative measures that align with global benchmarks in Pakistan.

Notably, this marks the first large-scale national conference organized by the NIRC since 1969. The prominent event will gather federal ministers, esteemed judges from the Supreme Court and High Courts, leaders of labour unions, industrialists, legal professionals, and high-ranking ILO representatives.

NIRC Chairman Justice (retd) Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui will inaugurate and preside over the conference, also delivering the opening address. Subsequently, renowned legal expert Barrister Zafarullah Khan will present insights on “Rights and Responsibilities of Employers and Workers in Islam”.

Supreme Court Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail is scheduled to give a special address focusing on “The Role of Pakistani Judiciary in Protecting Labour Rights.”

Technical Sessions

The conference will also incorporate several technical sessions. The initial session, entitled “Industrial Harmony and Social Dialogue”, will be presided over by former Supreme Court Judge Justice (R) Khalilur Rehman Ramday.

The panel will include notable figures such as Muhammad Asim Kichhi, Managing Director of Associated Press of Pakistan (APP); Tahir Yaqub Bhatti, President of Zarai Taraqiati Bank; Shoaib Adil, Additional Secretary of Pakistan Railways; Faisal Nisar Chaudhry, Managing Director of Utility Stores Corporation; Mir Ibrahim Rahman, CEO of Geo TV; and Siraj Hussain, Director at Unilever Pakistan.

Leaders from various labour unions are also slated to participate in the panel discussion. Salman Mansoor Siddiqui, General Secretary of the Supreme Court Bar Association, will serve as the session’s moderator.

The second session, chaired by Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain, will address “Grievance Redressal Under the Industrial Relations Act 2012” and “Pakistan’s Commitment to ILO Conventions.”

Advocate Imran Shafiq will contribute as a mediator, with labour expert Iftikhar Ahmed and Lahore High Court’s Justice Jawad Hassan offering their expert opinions.

In the concluding session, Federal Minister for Law and Justice Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar will present a speech on “Efforts to Align Existing Laws in Pakistan with International Labour Standards.”

ILO Pakistan Country Director Geir Tonstol will share a keynote address on “The Future of Work.” The conference will wrap up with an honorary shield presentation to distinguished attendees, followed by a luncheon for all participants.

Siddiqui described the event as a significant milestone for both labour rights and industrial harmony, emphasizing that “WE 2025 is not merely a slogan; it is a vision rooted in dialogue, respect, and partnership toward a better future.”