ISLAMABAD, Apr 30 (APP): P
resident Asif Ali Zardari has reiterated the commitment to upholding the dignity of
labourers and paid tribute to their historic struggle.
“This day serves as a reminder for all of us to safeguard
labourers’ rights, and work for their social protection, fair wages, and safe working conditions,” the p
resident said in a message on the observance of International Labour Day on May 1.
On this day, the p
resident said, they deeply acknowledged and appreciated the contributions of their workers who had played a commendable role in the country’s development.
He said today, the International Labour Day was being observed to pay tribute to their workers and
labourers whose tireless efforts had driven the country’s socio-economic development.
The p
resident said the theme for this year’s International Labour Day was to ensure workplace safety and health amidst climate change.
“The
labourers and the working class
in Pakistan are facing unprecedented challenges, such as inflation, rising cost of living, unemployment, and the adverse impacts of climate change,” a press release quoted the p
resident as saying.
In order to ameliorate the lot of working classes, the p
resident said, it was highly essential to initiate measures for their welfare by providing adeq
uate wages, safe working conditions, health coverage and educational facilities to their children.
“The state also has a crucial role to play in protecting the rights of workers, implementing and enforcing policies to end
labour exploitation, protect their rights, and provide social support,” he observed.
The p
resident called upon the employers to adopt fair wage practices, take steps for worker safety and health and ensure the provision of necessary training and protective equipment to
labourers working in hazardous environments.
The p
resident expressed the hope that the federal and provincial governments would also play their role to protect the rights of
labourers, take steps to eliminate exploitative practices and implement social security programs for them.
“Let’s pledge to create a conducive environment for workers
in Pakistan where they are valued and respected,” he added.