Seminars and rallies being held in different cities to homage Chicago workers who laid down their lives in 1886.
International Workers Day Pakistan is being observed today across the country in Pakistan. Workers, activists and human right persons in several cities arranged rallies and processions in the streets and gather in city centers to homage laborers across the globe.
Labour Day in Pakistan that is marked as public holiday to acknowledge workers’ achievements and promote social justice and universally acknowledged human and social rights.
All government and private organisations, educational institutions and markets will remain closed to observe Labour Day.
Seminars and rallies are also being held in different cities to pay tribute to those who laid down their lives in Chicago in 1886 for the rights of the labourers.
Different organizations in Lahore marked the day with protest and rally outside Press Club which demanded equal rights for the laborers.
The labour union of United Workers Welfare Association and different civil organizations jointly staged a rally in front of Peshawar Press Club to pay tributes to the sacrifices of Chicago martyrs.
In Gilgit Baltistan, to highlight importance of the event, labor organizations have devised a number of programs.
President Mamnoon Hussain at Labour Day said that we have an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of working men and women who are an indispensable pillar of our country.
“This day symbolizes the strength and character of the Pakistani workforce and its devotion and commitment towards making our country a prosperous and progressive nation in the world,” he added.
Labour wing and unions of different political parties also organized rallies, seminars and public meetings to highlight the issues and problems of working class at workplaces.
PTI chairman Imran Khan in his speech during workers convention at Karachi said that his party will continue struggle to secure the rightful place of workers in the society.
Jamaat-e-Islami chief Sirajul Haq while expressing commitment for continuing struggle said role of labourers and workers was very important in the progress and development of the country.
Pakistan’s first labor policy was devised in 1972, in which May 1 was declared an official holiday. This policy also formulated the Social Security Network, Old Age Benefit Schemes and Workers Welfare Fund. Pakistan’s Constitution also contains various provisions and articles about labor rights.
Pakistan became a member of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) right after its independence in 1947. The ILO is a United Nations (UN) specialised agency and Pakistan has ratified 36 ILO conventions.