Pakistan President Dr. Arif Alvi stated that the country was celebrating Labour Day this year with the resolve to reaffirm commitment to the dignity of labor and pay respect to the brave and heroic struggle of the workers for their fundamental rights.
“The day serves as a reminder of workers’ struggles as well as a celebration of their contribution to economic growth. According to the president, “We believe that employees and employers are partners in the production process and that their cooperation is crucial for industrial efficiency, which ultimately results in the socioeconomic uplift of the nation. He regretted that despite the fact that they contributed to economic prosperity, workers still had to deal with a number of problems, including an unsafe working environment, unfair labor practices, low pay, a lack of job security, and harassment.
“The labour force is the backbone of our economy and it is highly essential to take steps for the protection of their rights by strictly enforcing the labour laws to discourage unfair labour practices,”
He highlighted the need to provide the “huge labour force and youth bulge” of Pakistan with modern skill sets to put the economy on fast-track development.
The president hoped that the federal and provincial governments would continue their endeavours to work for their welfare as well as to provide them with marketable skill sets.
He also urged the workers of the country to play their role in making the country economically stronger and vibrant, and employers to ensure the protection of the rights of labour and work for their welfare.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan Qamar Zaman Monday reiterated his party’s commitment to take all possible measures, including strengthening the exciting labour laws, for enhancing the welfare and living standards of workers and their families.
On the eve of World Labour day, talking to a private news channel, he congratulated to all the country’s workforce, in both the private and public sectors who have been contributing and untiring struggle.
The sole purpose of celebrating this day is to initiate practical steps to provide job protection to labourers and industrial workers against any exploitation, he added.
It is a day which has provided us an opportunity to acknowledge invaluable contributions of our labour, both inland and abroad, towards nation-building, he mentioned.
He said that May 1st would be celebrated with the same enthusiasm as it was observed under the leadership of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and Benazir Bhutto.
“PPP’s struggle for the rights of labour and other working classes is unmatched in the past, he said, adding, PPP will always stand by them in their fight for dignity and rights.”
