President, PM pledge to improve working conditions for labourers

ISLAMABAD, May 1: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has greeted workers and labourers across Pakistan and all over the world on International Labour Day, saying that the real development of the world would be incomplete without their progress
“On this day, I want to commemorate the labourers of Chicago whose sacrifices became a global movement for the labourers’ rights. The development of the world is the result of the hard work by labourers,” PM Shehbaz Sharif said in his message for the day on Sunday.
He also lauded the commendable efforts of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) for the health and safety of labourers. The premier further stated that labourers and workers include both educated, illiterate, skilled and unskilled individuals who play a pivotal role in the development of any country and society. “Allah Almighty has declared labourer as His friend and has ordered to pay wages to a labourer before his sweat dries. This is a clear definition of the status of the workers and their economic rights in Islam,” Sharif said.
He said that he raised the minimum wage to Rs25,000 as soon as he took charge as the prime minister of Pakistan. He pledged to improve the working conditions of the workers in accordance with Islam, the Constitution of Pakistan and international standards in the country.
“I assure you that we will work with all parties to take practical steps to protect the rights of labourers and workers,” the prime minister said, expressing commitment to solving the problems of workers and labourers at all levels.
Meanwhile, President Dr ArifAlvi has paid tribute to the working men and women who have made tremendous sacrifices and contributions to the socio-economic development of Pakistan.
In his message on the occasion of International Labour Day, the president said, “This day symbolises the strength, character, talent and dedication of the Pakistani workforce towards making our country a prosperous and progressive nation in the world.” He said Pakistan reiterates its commitment to provide an enabling environment and a higher standard of living to all workers and their families.
The president said Pakistan needs to focus on the skill development of its workforce so as to fully reap the dividends of emerging economic opportunities in the wake of increased regional integration.
Separately, Chief Minister Balochistan Mir Abdul QuddusBizenjo has said that laborers play an important role in the socio-economic development of any country.
In his message on the occasion of International Labour Day today he said the Provincial Government will ensure equal rights of opportunities and improve the living standard of workers. He said the government is endeavouring to put polytechnic institutions on modern lines across the province.
The chief minister added that the provincial government believes in such labour policies which ensure protection of rights of all workers and laborers.
Governor GilgitBaltistan Raja Jalal HussainMaqpoon in his message said that without the hard work and courage of the workers the development of the country is not possible, the role of the workers in the development of any country would be very important.
Gilgit-Baltistan Chief Minister Khalid Khurshid in his message said on May 1 reminds us of the sacrifices, bravery and determination of the workers who upheld their basic rights and for a fair working environment.
The International Labour Day was observed across the globe with the theme of “Act together to build a positive safety and health culture”.
According to the ILO, the day was observed as a World Day for Safety and Health at Work to commemorate the services and sacrifices of workers across the world and encourage them to be aware of their rights. -TLTP