Unionists mark Labour Day, demand crackdown on exploitation, injustice and bind 'Labour Laws'

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st May, 2026) Unionists from various departments, including Chaudhry Muhammad Yaseen, Shahid Waheed and Ramzan Laghari Friday marked International Labour Day by paying tribute to workers and calling for the implementation of basic labour rights, stronger policies and greater inclusion across trade unions.

While speaking in an exclusive conversation with ptv news, union leaders Chaudhry Muhammad Yaseen, Shahid Waheed and Ramzan Laghari shed light on the pressing challenges faced by workers, stressing the urgent need for effective implementation of labour laws, fair and timely payment systems and better documentation of the workforce.

They also emphasized increasing women’s participation in trade unions, strengthening labour policies and launching awareness drives to ensure workers are informed of their rights and have stronger platforms to voice their concerns.

Chaudhry Muhammad Yaseen, General Secretary of the CDA Workers Union, underscored the relentless efforts of sanitary workers who serve the capital day and night under challenging conditions.

He pointed out that despite being the backbone of the city’s cleanliness system, these workers are still deprived of basic respect and recognition.

Calling for urgent reforms, he demanded the restoration of dignity for labourers and urged the government to revive and implement the pro-labour policies introduced during the tenure of former Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto to safeguard workers’ rights and improve their living standards.

Afshan Tehseen Bajwa, former Chairperson of the National Commission on the Rights of the Child (NCRC), paid tribute to workers nationwide, highlighting the vital contribution of women in the labour force and stressing the need for stronger enforcement of labour laws to ensure protection, equality and dignity for all workers.

Shahid Waheed, President of the State Life Insurance Employees Union of Pakistan, also paid glowing tribute to workers across various sectors, including both formal and informal labour.

He emphasized the need for greater awareness of labour rights, the introduction of worker-friendly and beneficiary laws and the creation of more effective platforms to ensure workers’ voices are heard and they have access to justice.

Ramzan Laghari, President of the PIA Employees Union, demanded registration of unions with the NIRC and urged strict government checks and balances in departments, along with the effective implementation of labour laws to prevent violations and safeguard workers’ rights.

Union leaders reiterated their resolve to continue advocating for workers’ rights and called for effective enforcement of labour laws to ensure dignity, justice and protection for all workers.