International Labour Day being observed today across Pakistan

The day is marked every year to highlight the importance of labour rights, promote awareness about fair working conditions, and discourage exploitation of workers across all sectors

ISLAMABAD: (UrduPoint/UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News-May 1^st, 2026) Pakistan joined the global community on Thursday in observing International Labour Day to recognise the services, sacrifices and contributions of the working class in national development.

The day is marked every year to highlight the importance of labour rights, promote awareness about fair working conditions, and discourage exploitation of workers across all sectors.

Leadership reaffirms commitment to labour rights

On the occasion, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged all stakeholders, including employers, industrialists and business leaders, to ensure respect, dignity and protection for workers.

In their separate messages, both leaders said that safeguarding labour rights is essential for national progress and long-term economic stability, adding that countries that protect their workforce secure their future.

President Asif Ali Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to international labour standards, stressing the need to ensure fair wages, social security, elimination of child and forced labour, and equal opportunities without discrimination.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the country’s workforce, both within Pakistan and abroad, reflects resilience, skill and dedication. He noted that institutions such as the Employees Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) and the Workers Welfare Fund continue to provide financial and social support to workers through pensions, housing schemes and educational assistance.

Government announces welfare measures for workers

Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain said that residential facilities, including houses and flats, will soon be allotted to industrial workers in Islamabad on merit.

In his Labour Day message, he outlined various government initiatives aimed at improving workers’ welfare, including job creation and overseas employment opportunities.

He said more than 762,000 Pakistanis have secured employment abroad, while remittances have reached nearly $40 billion, contributing significantly to the national economy. He added that Pakistan has also expanded labour cooperation agreements with countries including Italy, Qatar, South Korea and Belarus to enhance employment opportunities.

The minister further announced an increase in welfare grants, raising the marriage grant from Rs400,000 to Rs600,000 and the death grant from Rs800,000 to Rs1 million.

He said the government remains committed to protecting workers’ rights both domestically and internationally, noting that Pakistan has ratified key International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions to strengthen labour protections.

Chaudhry Salik Hussain also paid tribute to the workers of the 1886 Haymarket incident in Chicago, saying their struggle and sacrifices laid the foundation for the global labour rights movement.