International Labour Day: President Zardari, PM Shehbaz Sharif Call for Labour Rights, Skill Development

As Pakistan marks International Labour Day on Thursday, both President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have paid tribute to the country’s workforce, reaffirming their commitment to safeguarding labour rights and promoting workers’ welfare.

In his official message, President Zardari honoured the resilience and contributions of labourers to Pakistan’s development. He stressed the need for skill-building as a core strategy in preparing youth and workers for the future, saying: “In today’s rapidly changing world, the key to securing a brighter future for our youth and workers lies in their skill development.”

Highlighting the essential role of labour in driving the economy forward, he acknowledged that workers power sectors ranging from agriculture to public service.

“It is our workers who sustain our manufacturing industries, agriculture, small and medium enterprises, government and other public sectors. Our workers are our pride, and we owe our national development to their hard work and contributions.”

He called on all stakeholders—including employers, trade unions, and civil society—to collaborate in creating a fair and just labour ecosystem: “Let us honour our workers through meaningful policies, inclusive development, and a culture that respects labour in all its forms.”

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, in his message, described workers as the “real driving force behind our nation’s growth and resilience.”
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s constitutional and international obligations, noting: “The protection of fundamental labour rights is enshrined in our Constitution and fully aligns with the International Labour Organisation’s (ILO) core conventions.”

The prime minister outlined reforms, including expanding the reach of EOBI, the Workers Welfare Fund, and launching Pakistan’s first National Occupational Safety and Health Profile. He also praised the ongoing skill development efforts through NAVTTC and TEVTAs, especially those targeting youth and women.

“On this important day, I urge all stakeholders, including employers, workers, civil society, and government to join hands in building a culture that respects labour, upholds their rights, and creates opportunities of decent work for all,” he concluded.