Message from the Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif on Labour Day, 1st May 2024

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. They not only work hard to feed their families but also are the driving force behind Pakistan’s progress.

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. Enhancement of occupational safety and health (OSH) across various sectors remains a top priority for our Government. We will soon be convening the inaugural National Tripartite Labour Conference with a special focus on safety and health. 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.

I fully understand that the current inflation has disproportionately affected our financially weak labor class. 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. 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. I also wish to particularly recognize the services of our female folk who work hand in hand with their female counterparts to earn a living for their families.

Sustainable economic growth remains our top priority. Through concerted efforts, our economy is on the path to recovery. We hope that this growth will result in more economic activities and create job opportunities. However, the new job opportunities would demand a skilled labour force. Recognizing the key role of skilled workers in our economic development, the Government has 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. May Almighty Allah guide us in our sincere efforts towards the prosperity of our workers and our country.

Pakistan Paindabad!