ISLAMABAD: A national conference held in the federal capital to mark the Labour Day 2025 echoed a unified call for strengthening social dialogue as a foundation for industrial peace, fair labour practices and inclusive economic growth, stressing dialogue between the government, employers and workers essential for industrial development.
Organised by the National Industrial Relations Commission (NIRC) in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), the conference with the theme ‘Workers and Employers: Navigating Change Through Social Dialogue’, brought together a broad spectrum of stakeholders—government representatives, employer federations, workers’ organisations, civil society leaders and jurists—to discuss a way forward for Pakistan’s evolving world of work.
The event reaffirmed the universal principle that “labour is not a commodity,” and that every worker deserves dignity, safety and decent working conditions.
A key outcome of the event was the presentation of a resolution by NIRC Chairperson Justice (retd) Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, which encapsulated the collective commitment to institutionalise and enhance social dialogue across Pakistan.
The resolution urges the government to strengthen the institutional capacities of federal and provincial labour departments, ensuring they are equipped to proactively promote and facilitate social dialogue at all levels—national, provincial, and sectoral.
It calls for reforming and enforcing existing labour laws in line with international labour standards, particularly to safeguard the rights to freedom of association and collective bargaining.
Justice Siddiqui’s resolution also proposes the creation of a National Tripartite Forum to serve as a permanent consultative body for addressing emerging challenges in the world of work, such as automation, climate change and the informalisation of labour.
It further advocates to integrate social dialogue principles into national and provincial policy frameworks relating to economic development, industrialisation, skills development and climate change adaptation and enhance and facilitate enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with labour laws and promote a culture of respect for workers’ rights and social dialogue at the enterprise level.
It stresses the importance of increasing investment in skills training and capacity-building—particularly in high-growth sectors like IT, agriculture and services—to equip workers for decent employment and greater economic mobility.
The resolution also encourages the effective use of workers and employer’s Bilateral Council of Pakistan and proposes the establishment of National Tripartite Forum composed of the representatives from the government, employer organisations and workers organisations to meet on periodic basis and to discuss and identify potential conflicts and ways to mitigate these.
The resolution was approved by participants.
Meanwhile, speaking at a national conference titled ‘Workers and Employers in 2025: Navigating Change with Harmony’, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail of Supreme Court of Pakistan called on the government to formally recognise mining as an industry, highlighting the dire working conditions faced by miners, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan.
He expressed concern over the lack of institutional protections for workers in the mining sector and stressed the importance of recognising mining as a formal industry to ensure regulatory oversight and better labour standards.
He said that while judges deliver verdicts based on evidence and law, ultimate justice is the domain of Allah Almighty. “Justice belongs to Allah,” Justice Mandokhail remarked. “We judges only decide cases based on the documents presented before us. The responsibility lies in ensuring that our decisions are free from pressure, fear, or temptation.”
Justice Mandokhail voiced concern over the working conditions of mine labourers, especially in Balochistan. He urged the government to grant formal industry status to the mining sector to ensure regulatory protections and better working conditions. “Mine workers risk their lives to provide for their families,” he said. “Their contributions must be recognised through legislation that ensures their safety, dignity and rights. No worker is a slave.”
He underscored the constitutional guarantees of equality and labour rights, reminding the audience that the Supreme Court is entrusted with upholding those principles. “The Constitution makes it clear—all human beings are equal, and so are their rights,” he said. Justice Mandokhail acknowledged that the privileges of his office were made possible by the people, particularly the country’s workers. “Whatever rank, resources and office I enjoy is because of you,” he said.
Delivering his remarks, Justice (retd) Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui emphasised the need for conflict resolution and a shift away from litigation towards alternate dispute resolution mechanisms, such as arbitration, conciliation and mediation. He said that “this conference was about bringing workers and employers to the same table — to listen to each other, to raise concerns, and to begin a conversation. Social dialogue, mediation, and conciliation must take precedence over litigation. When decisions are rooted in law and principle, they are more likely to be accepted and respected by all. It’s time we replaced mistrust with mutual respect in the workplace.”
Federal Minister for Law and Justice Azam Nazeer Tarar reaffirmed the government’s commitment to labour rights, stating that the NIRC is being revitalised to become a true forum for fairness and equity. He assured that no amendments to the Industrial Relations Act 2012 would be made without full consultation with stakeholders, and that all measures within the legal framework and international commitments would be taken to protect workers’ rights.
Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, highlighted the centrality of skills development and vocational training to economic empowerment. He noted that these tools open doors to decent employment, both domestically and abroad, and expressed appreciation for the ILO’s continued support in ensuring protection and opportunity for vulnerable workers.
The conference featured thought-provoking speeches, technical sessions, and two robust panel discussions focused on “Industrial Harmony and Social Dialogue” and “Redressal of Grievances under IRA 2012: The Way Forward to Speedy Justice and Harmonious Relations.”
Participants emphasised that inclusive, tripartite dialogue—between the government, employers, and workers—is the most effective mechanism for conflict resolution, policy formulation, and sustainable industrial development.
They unanimously called for expanding grievance redressal mechanisms, strengthening alternate dispute resolution systems, and embedding a culture of social dialogue at every level—from policy to the shop floor.
Many stressed that investments in skills development and dispute prevention are not only tools of compliance but drivers of economic resilience and social justice. The conference concluded with a renewed commitment by all stakeholders to move beyond symbolic gestures, putting into action the principles of mutual respect, open communication, and shared responsibility.
