Pakistan’s top political leadership paid tribute to workers on International Labour Day, recognising their sacrifices, hard work and role in national progress.
In separate messages, the prime minister, president, Punjab chief minister and federal ministers reaffirmed their commitment to protecting labour rights, ensuring fair wages and improving working conditions across the country.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif paid rich tribute to workers on International Labour Day, saying their selfless services across the country are commendable.
“I salute them,” the prime minister said, appreciating the dedication and resilience of Pakistan’s labour force.
He said labourers, farmers and artisans are the backbone of the economy and keep the country on the path of development.
Backbone of economy
Prime Minister Sharif said the hard work, courage and spirit of enduring difficulties shown by Pakistani workers are exemplary. He said both federal and provincial governments would ensure the protection of workers’ rights.
The prime minister also praised Pakistani labourers working abroad, calling them ambassadors of the country who play an important role in earning foreign exchange.
The PM said the government is implementing modern policies for the training of skilled manpower so Pakistan can meet global standards.
He added that institutions such as the Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) and Workers Welfare Fund are actively providing pensions, housing and other facilities to workers.
President Zardari honours workers’ sacrifices
President Asif Ali Zardari also paid tribute to workers across the country on International Workers’ Day. He said the sacrifices of workers laid the foundation for concepts such as fair wages, reasonable working hours and dignified working conditions.
The president recalled the historic struggle of Chicago workers, saying they sacrificed their lives for their rights.
President Zardari said the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees the end of exploitation and the protection of workers’ rights. He said Pakistan’s workers are playing a key role in the development of the country.
“Our hardworking people build cities, cultivate lands and keep industries running with their hard work,” he said.
President Zardari said workers are not merely part of the economy but its foundation. He added that Pakistan is promoting workers’ rights in line with international standards.
Maryam Nawaz pays tribute to working women
Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, in her special message from Lahore, praised workers around the world on International Workers’ Day.
She saluted the greatness of workers, miners and labourers, and paid special tribute to working women who support their families economically.
Maryam emphasised the need to ensure decent wages, a safe working environment, health facilities and quality education for the children of labourers.
The Punjab chief minister said her government is committed to improving the standard of living and prosperity of labourers. “Workers are friends of Allah, and we value and respect the friends of Allah,” Maryam Nawaz said.
She said ration cards and a monthly subsidy of Rs3,000 are being provided to more than 1.4 million labourers and workers.
Maryam said millions of workers are receiving free medical treatment at social security hospitals and dispensaries. She added that the Punjab government is helping workers become homeowners by providing ready-made flats.
According to the chief minister, 750 flats have already been provided to workers, while 1,872 more flats will be given to working brothers.
Maryam Nawaz said bachelor hostels are being provided for 700 workers at Quaid-e-Azam Business Park in Sheikhupura. She said the government is also establishing the Maryam Nawaz Vigilance Center and tele-clinics for working people.
An Occupational Safety and Health Management Center will soon be launched at Nawaz Sharif Social Security Teaching Hospital, she added.
Grants increased for workers
The Punjab chief minister said the marriage grant for working brothers has been increased from Rs400,000 to Rs600,000. She also said the death grant has been increased from Rs800,000 to Rs1,000,000.
Maryam Nawaz added that, for the first time in Lahore, a Gosha Mazdoor has been established for workers, where labourers seeking livelihood under the open sky can sit with ease.
Naqvi calls workers real pillar of development
Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi extended greetings to workers in Pakistan and around the world on International Workers’ Day. He said stories of progress are created through the sweat of workers and their role in the development of the country is unforgettable.
In his message, the interior minister said Labour Day is an acknowledgement of the greatness of those hands that silently stabilise the economy.
Naqvi said workers are not just individuals but the real pillar of any country’s development. He said the hard work of labourers is the real strength of nations and the guarantee of a bright future.
“Without workers, the dream of prosperity remains unfulfilled,” he said.
The minister added that Islam declares labour an act of worship and considers the worker worthy of respect. He said the Constitution of Pakistan also guarantees the protection of workers’ rights, fair wages and a better working environment.
“The development of workers is the development of Pakistan,” Naqvi said.
He added that the day is an opportunity to renew the pledge to raise voices for workers’ rights and end their deprivations.
Abdul Aleem Khan pays tribute to workers building Pakistan
Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan also paid tribute to workers, calling them the guarantors of human development. He said that from fields to construction sites, workers are the foundation of the nation’s prosperity.
In his special message on International Workers’ Day, Aleem Khan wished a happy Labour Day to all workers who help build the future.
Aleem Khan said Islam considers labour a sacred and great duty. He said paying wages to a labourer before his sweat dries is part of Islamic values.
The communications minister paid special tribute to workers involved in highway infrastructure. He said the self-respect, safety and fair remuneration of workers are among the government’s top priorities.
Aleem Khan added that communications and infrastructure teams are laying the foundations of a modern Pakistan.
