ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: As the entire world is observing Labour Day on Wednesday to acknowledge and commend the invaluable contributions of the labour class, Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif remarked that today we honor the immense sacrifices of the workers who laid their lives while waging a relentless struggle for their rights.
“We also honour the invaluable contributions of those workers who work day and night in the fields, factories and elsewhere,” the prime minister said in his message on International Labour Day, adding that they not only work hard to feed their families but also are the driving force behind Pakistan’s progress.
The prime minister said that with an overarching objective to promote the rights and interests of Pakistani workforce and as promised in PML-N’s manifesto, we remain steadfast in our commitment to bolstering labor welfare and harmonizing domestic labor legislation with global standards.
The prime minister said that enhancement of occupational safety and health (OSH) across various sectors remains a top priority for our government.
Shahbaz Sharif announced that we will soon be convening the inaugural National Tripartite Labour Conference with a special focus on safety and health.
The premier said that efforts are also underway to ratify the ILO Convention on OSH in Mines No. 176, underscoring our commitment to ensuring that miners have access to OSH that are compliant with international standards.
Furthermore, he said that I fully understand that the current inflation has disproportionately affected our financially weak labor class. He said that the government is addressing this through targeted subsidies and support programs.
“We will also continue our endeavours to improve the working and living conditions of our workers by further promoting their welfare through better housing, education, healthcare and social security benefits,” he reiterated.
The prime minister said that through labour-friendly policies and initiatives, we will ensure that decent working conditions are maintained thus making our workers the strength of Pakistan.
While we recognize our workers in the formal sector, it would be remiss if we did not mention the hardworking individuals in the informal sector who work in the fields, homes, and other places, he noted.
The prime minister also particularly recognized the services of female folk who work hand in hand with their female counterparts to earn a living for their families.
Shahbaz Sharif also said that sustainable economic growth remains our top priority. He said that through concerted efforts, our economy is on the path to recovery.
The prime minister expressed hope that this growth will result in more economic activities and create job opportunities; however, he added, the new job opportunities would demand a skilled labour force.
Recognizing the key role of skilled workers in our economic development, the government has, according to him, initiated vocational training and skills development programs to empower workers and enable them to secure employment opportunities both at home and abroad.
“Let us work together to build a Pakistan where every worker is valued, respected, and empowered to thrive,” the prime minister expressed the resolve.
