National leaders salute workers, vow stronger labour protection, welfare

• President, PM reaffirm commitment to labour rights, fair wages and dignified working conditions

• Zardari recalls historic Chicago struggle, says workers’ rights remain central to human dignity

• PM highlights skills development, overseas employment and welfare support for labour force

• Gilani says economic stability and national progress depend on workers’ welfare and protection

• Naqvi terms labourers backbone of economy, says Pakistan’s progress hinges on their prosperity

 ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and other national leaders on International Labour Day paid tribute to Pakistan’s workforce and workers around the world, reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting labour rights, ensuring fair wages, promoting dignified working conditions and enhancing workers’ welfare.

In his message on Labour Day, President Zardari said the day commemorates the historic struggle of workers who sacrificed their lives for fundamental rights, including fair wages and reasonable working hours, laying the foundation for modern labour protections.

The President termed workers as the foundation of economy. ​Recalling the 1973 Constitution’s pledge to eliminate all forms of exploitation he said that a nation that protects its workers, protects its future. Labour empowerment is the pathway to national strength & prosperity. pic.twitter.com/YiYTF2T1l2

— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) April 30, 2026

Recalling the 140-year-old Chicago labour movement, he said workers had demanded “eight hours for work, eight hours for rest and eight hours for personal life,” a principle that remains central to human dignity and labour rights.

The president said the Constitution of 1973 guarantees protection against exploitation and binds the State to eliminate all forms of exploitation while upholding equitable economic principles.

Paying tribute to Pakistan’s labour force, he said workers across sectors—from agriculture to industry—continue to drive national development through their dedication, resilience and hard work.

President Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to international labour standards, including fair wages, social protection, elimination of forced and child labour, non-discrimination and adherence to conventions of the International Labour Organization.

Highlighting the contribution of overseas Pakistanis, he said millions of workers abroad were strengthening the national economy through remittances while representing Pakistan’s values and professionalism globally.

He said ensuring safe working conditions, equal opportunities and adequate wages remained a national priority, adding that the government would continue to strengthen labour protections and expand economic opportunities.

The president also stressed investment in human capital through technical and vocational education, increased participation of women in the workforce and creation of employment avenues for youth.

PM reiterates resolve for labour welfare

In his Labour Day message, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan was joining the international community in observing the day with renewed resolve, acknowledging the invaluable contributions of workers across all sectors.

وزیراعظم محمد شہباز شریف کا یومِ مزدور کے موقع پر پیغام

"پاکستان آج اقوامِ عالم کے ساتھ ہم آواز ہو کر یومِ مزدور نہایت پُرعزم انداز میں منا رہا ہے۔ ہم بحیثیتِ قوم، پاکستانی مزدور کے عزم و ہمت، مشکلات کو سہنے کا حوصلہ اور زندگی کی سختیوں کا وقار کے ساتھ سامنا کرنے کے مثالی جذبے… pic.twitter.com/j1Dh5jVV4A

— Government of Pakistan (@GovtofPakistan) May 1, 2026

He described labourers, farmers, artisans, factory workers and professionals as the backbone of society, saying their dedication keeps the country’s economic and social machinery moving.

The prime minister said the hard work of labourers—from fields and factories to construction sites and global markets—reflects the nation’s strength and industrious spirit.

He particularly praised overseas Pakistanis, noting that millions working abroad serve as ambassadors of the country and contribute significantly through remittances, strengthening the national economy.

PM Shehbaz said the government was focusing on equipping workers with modern skills through targeted initiatives under the National Skills Development Policy to align the workforce with evolving global demands.

He said emphasis was being placed on internationally recognised training, language proficiency and certification to secure better employment opportunities for Pakistanis abroad.

The prime minister noted that institutions such as the Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution and the Workers Welfare Fund were continuing efforts to provide pensions, housing, education and other essential services to workers and their families.

He urged federal and provincial governments, the business community and industrialists to uphold the dignity, protection and rights of workers, stressing that ensuring fair treatment and improved working conditions was a shared responsibility.

“Let us renew our commitment to honour and protect those who drive our progress,” the prime minister said, expressing confidence that Pakistan’s workforce would continue to shine globally through dedication, skill and integrity.

Yousaf Raza Gillani vows continued support for workers’ rights

Acting President Yousaf Raza Gillani, in his special message on International Labour Day, said May 1 was not merely a day on the calendar but a powerful symbol of hard work, struggle, human dignity and the collective commitment to social justice.

قائم مقام صدر سید یوسف رضا گیلانی نے کہا ہے کہ یکم مئی محض ایک دن نہیں بلکہ محنت، جدوجہد، انسانی وقار اور سماجی انصاف کے عزم کی تجدید کا استعارہ ہے، محنت کشوں کی فلاح و بہبود کے لیے قانون سازی، ادارہ جاتی اصلاحات اور سماجی تحفظ کے نظام کو مزید مضبوط بنایا جائے گا۔جمعہ کو یوم… pic.twitter.com/nZHR9BQFFG

— APP (@appcsocialmedia) May 1, 2026

He said the historical significance of Labour Day was linked to the Haymarket affair in Chicago, where workers staged a peaceful protest demanding an eight-hour workday.

Gillani said national development, economic stability and sustainable prosperity were deeply tied to the tireless efforts and dedication of the working class.

He described workers as the backbone of every economy, saying no vision of progress could be realised without ensuring their welfare and well-being.

He said both the teachings of Islam and the Constitution of Pakistan emphasise respect for workers, protection of their rights and the pursuit of social justice.

Gillani stressed that it was the state’s fundamental responsibility to provide workers with dignified employment, fair wages, social protection and a safe working environment to enable them to lead honourable lives.

Mohsin Naqvi pays tribute to workers

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi paid tribute to workers across Pakistan and around the world on the occasion of International Labour Day.

وفاقی وزیر داخلہ محسن نقوی نے محنت کشوں کے عالمی دن پر پاکستان سمیت دنیا بھر کے محنت کشوں کو سلام پیش کرتے ہوئے کہا کہ محنت کشوں کے پسینے سے ہی ترقی کی داستانیں رقم ہوتی ہیں، ملک کی ترقی میں محنت کشوں کا کردار ناقابلِ فراموش ہے۔
More details :https://t.co/bSwFNWUEwl… pic.twitter.com/m6pB0FF7qG

— APP (@appcsocialmedia) May 1, 2026

In his message, he said the sweat and hard work of labourers laid the foundation of every nation’s progress.

“The role of workers in the development of the country is unforgettable. It is their tireless efforts that write the story of growth and prosperity,” he said.

He said Labour Day was an acknowledgment of the dignity of those hands that silently strengthen the economy.

“A labourer is not just an individual, but the main pillar of a nation’s development. Without their contribution, the dream of prosperity remains incomplete,” he added.

Referring to the teachings of Islam, Mohsin Naqvi said hard work was regarded as a form of worship and those earning through labour were held in high respect.