No day off

May 1 marked the annual International Labour Day, a tribute to the struggles and achievements of workers across the globe. In Pakistan, we continue to grapple with issues surrounding workers’ rights, fair wages and safe working conditions, which made the Labour Day celebrations all the more important. In recent years, especially in the wake of global economic challenges and inflation, the demands for minimum wage adjustments and improved labour conditions have intensified. The rise of the gig economy and technological shifts also call for a re-evaluation of labour policies. Pakistan’s labour force plays a vital role in sustaining the national economy. Millions of labourers form the backbone of the economy.

Yet, despite their contributions, many workers face harsh realities such as low wages, lack of social security, unsafe environments and limited access to legal recourse. Informal labour makes up a large part of the workforce, often operating without formal contracts or protections. Ironically, these are the very same workers who were probably unable to celebrate yesterday and had to turn up to work, while others were enjoying a holiday in their name. We need better labour policies and to ensure that they are properly implemented.

Muhammad Gul Zaib

Okara