ISLAMABAD:President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehehbaz Sharif marked International Labour Day by pledgin stronger protections for workers and prioritizing modern skill development to tackle evolving job market challenges.
Pesident Zardari emphasized collaboration between governments, private sectors, and educational institutions to build a robust skill ecosystem, calling workers the “driving force” of Pakistan’s economy. He urged policies ensuring fair wages, safe workplaces, and social security, stating, “Our workers are our pride; national development owes to their sacrifices.”
PM Sharif highlighted legislative strides, including ratifying key International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions like the Forced Labour Protocol and Maritime Labour Convention. He noted expanded safety measures, digitization of labor systems, and initiatives like NAVTTC and TEVTAs to empower youth and women with vocational training. Reforms in EOBI and WWF aim to broaden welfare coverage, ensuring “dignity, safety, and opportunity for all workers.”
Both leaders called for unity among employers, unions, and civil society to uphold labor rights enshrined in Pakistan’s Constitution and global agreements.
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