Asif Ali Zardari President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Message on the occasion of International Labour Day on 1st May 2024

Today, International Labour Day is being observed to pay tribute to workers and labourers whose tireless efforts have driven our country’s socio-economic development. On this day, we reiterate our commitment to upholding the dignity of labourers and pay tribute to their historic struggle. This day serves as a reminder for all of us to safeguard labourers’ rights, and work for their social protection, fair wages, and safe working conditions.

The theme for this year’s International Labour Day is to ensure workplace safety and health amidst climate change. The labourers and the working class in Pakistan are facing unprecedented challenges, such as inflation, rising cost of living, unemployment, and the adverse impacts of climate change. In order to ameliorate the lot of working classes, it is highly essential to initiate measures for their welfare by providing adequate wages, safe working conditions, health coverage and educational facilities to their children. The state also has a crucial role to play in protecting the rights of workers, implementing and enforcing policies to end labour exploitation, protect their rights, and provide social support.

On this day, we deeply acknowledge and appreciate the contributions of our workers who have played a commendable role in the country’s development. I call upon the employers to adopt fair wage practices, take steps for worker safety and health and ensure the provision of necessary training and protective equipment to labourers working in hazardous environments. I am hopeful that the federal and provincial governments would also play their role to protect the rights of labourers, take steps to eliminate exploitative practices and implement social security programs for them.

Let’s pledge to create a conducive environment for workers in Pakistan where they are valued and respected.