Message by the President on the occasion of Labour Day (1st May, 2021)

On International Labour Day, we celebrate the contribution of our working men and women and acknowledge their utmost efforts for the betterment of our lives and to the sustainable development of Pakistan. On this day, we reaffirm our resolve to continue our efforts for the dignity of labour and pay tribute to their valiant and heroic struggle for their fundamental rights. The struggle became the beacon of light for fight against social injustice, child labour, bonded labour, discrimination on basis of colour, creed, religion or sex and every form of exploitation.

Islam has given sanctity to the rights and dignity of the labourers much before the establishment of labour laws. We find numerous inspiring examples of the dignity of labour and respect for the rights of the working classes in the life of the Holy Prophet (Peace be upon Him). On the same grounds, we believe that workers and employers are partners in the production process and their cooperation is essential for socio-economic development of the country.

The Government of Pakistan is fully aware of the issues faced by the workers, specifically in wake of COVID-19 situation, and utmost efforts are being made for the welfare and protection of their rights. This Pandemic has had a catastrophic effect on the working and labour class and the Government helped them under the EHSAAS program to provide them immediate relief. I hope the federal and provincial governments would continue their endeavours to ensure protection of the rights of labour.

On this occasion, I urge workers and employers of the country to come forward and play their role in making Pakistan a symbol of efficiency, cooperation and progress. At this moment of International Labour Day, we recommit our collective efforts – as Government, workers and employers to promote equity, social and economic justice, and eradicate child labour, forced labour and every form of discrimination from society.