Nation to observe May Day today

President pays tribute to workers for their role in nation building; PM says govt committed to strengthening labour laws, improving their living standards

ISLAMABAD: The Labour Day will be observed on Monday (today) across the globe, including Pakistan, to acknowledge workers’ achievements and promote social justice and universally acknowledged human and social rights.

In his message, President Mamnoon Hussain said, "Economic progress and development witnessed by our country would not have been possible without relentless efforts of our vital labour force."

Remembering Chicago Martyrs on this day for their valiant struggle against oppression, exploitation and injustice, he also paid tribute to the labour community for its valuable contribution in nation building.

“The world has become highly globalised, competitive and strongly interconnected, in which economic progress of any country required well-equipped workforce with necessary skills to compete with international counterparts,” he noted.

Similarly, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif reiterated his government's commitment to take all measures, including strengthening of labour laws, for enhancing the welfare and living standards of workers and their families.

The prime minister, in his message, said the contributions of Pakistan's workforce must be recognised. "I truly believe that our workforce is an extremely important pillar of society, playing a pivotal role in its socio-economic development," he remarked.

He said Labour Day was observed to honour the workers for their long and arduous struggle. “The Day provided an opportunity to recognise and pay tribute to the contributions the workers had made to progress, prosperity and well-being of their respective countries,” he added.

The prime minister said the government's goals of fast and inclusive growth leading to a modern and industrialised economy could only be achieved through a committed, hardworking and skilled workforce.

"Our belief in the dignity of labour is stronger than ever and we are cognizant that only a prosperous and happy workforce can enable Pakistan in realising its full potential and compete in today's highly competitive globalized market economy," the prime minister said.

Also, National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said that nation's economic strength and vigour was determined by the status and standard of living of its labour class and protection of their rights. In his message, he said all the civilised societies in the world had legislated to ensure the rights and welfare of their labour force.