Islamabad, May 1, 2025: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Thursday reaffirmed the government’s resolve to uphold workers’ rights and improve labour welfare across the country, as Pakistan joined the international community in marking Labour Day.
In separate messages, both leaders paid tribute to the contributions of Pakistan’s working class and acknowledged the need for sustained reforms to ensure their well-being, dignity, and protection.
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), Pakistan has yet to ratify 55 conventions and protocols. Despite the existence of labour laws, weak enforcement and persistent challenges such as low wages, poor representation, and lack of social protection continue to impact workers across sectors.
President Zardari, in a message broadcast by Pakistan Television (PTV), honoured the resilience and contributions of workers in Pakistan and globally.
“We reiterate our commitment to workers’ autonomy, fair wages, a safe environment, and social security,” he stated. “Workers are the backbone of our economy, playing a pivotal role in developing our infrastructure, industries, agriculture, and national growth.”
He emphasized the urgent need to equip workers and youth with modern skills in a rapidly evolving global economy, advocating for a comprehensive skill development framework to enhance productivity and employment opportunities.
“We must build a fair labour environment and promote inclusive development. Let’s foster a culture where the role of every worker is valued and respected,” he added.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif echoed similar sentiments, reaffirming Pakistan’s “unwavering commitment” to ensuring safe, healthy, and dignified working conditions.
“Our workforce is the driving force behind our progress and resilience,” the premier said. “The protection of fundamental rights for workers is enshrined in the Constitution and aligns with the core conventions of the ILO, of which Pakistan is a committed signatory.”
He pointed to recent legislative and administrative reforms, including Pakistan’s adoption of the Forced Labour Convention and the 2014 Protocol to the Maritime Labour Convention.
For the first time, he noted, every worker in the country benefits from a national occupational safety and health profile, designed to ensure safe workplaces across all provinces.
“We urge civil society, labour unions, activists, and government institutions to work together in creating a society that respects workers, safeguards their rights, and promotes decent work for all,” the prime minister stated.
Senate Chairman Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani also issued a message of solidarity with workers, describing May 1 as a “symbol of determination, sacrifice, and human dignity.”
“Our nation must recognise that without social, economic, and legal protection for our labour class, the dream of sustainable development will remain elusive,” he emphasized.
