ISLAMABAD / MADRID — Pakistan has officially secured permanent membership in the International Olive Council (IOC), marking a historic milestone for the country’s burgeoning agricultural sector. The induction into the Madrid-based intergovernmental organization follows years of expanding olive cultivation across specialized terrain, particularly within the Potohar region, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Permanent IOC membership grants Pakistan direct access to global quality standards, advanced technical collaboration, and international trade networks, positioning local extra virgin olive oil brands for competitive export markets.
Congratulations to Pakistan on securing permanent membership in the International Olive Council (IOC)!
Olive orchard workers often endure demanding physical labour, fast-paced pruning and harvesting and frequently work in extreme weather. ILO welcomes Pakistan’s commitment to… pic.twitter.com/OqZQLGDmxu
— Geir Tonstol (@gtonstol) July 2, 2026
ILO Welcomes Progress, Highlights Labor Vulnerabilities
Following the announcement, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) extended congratulations to Pakistan, while concurrently underscoring the vital need to advance institutional labor protections within this rapidly growing sector.
Olive orchard workers frequently endure highly demanding physical labor. The seasonal dynamics of the industry necessitate fast-paced manual pruning and grueling harvesting schedules. Additionally, field hands are consistently exposed to extreme weather variations, working long hours under intense summer heatwaves and sharp winter drops across Pakistan’s rural landscapes.
Action Items for “Decent Work” Integration
The ILO emphasized that as Pakistan scales its production infrastructure to meet global market specifications, integrating a “decent work” agenda remains essential to ensure sustainable growth.
Core Focus Priorities for the Olive Sector:
Occupational Health & Safety: Provision of ergonomic harvesting tools and safety gear to prevent repetitive strain injuries.
Climate Resilience Protocols: Institutionalizing mandatory rest breaks and hydration stations during extreme temperature peaks.
Fair Compensation Systems: Standardizing formal wage agreements for seasonal and contractual field workers.
Government representatives stated that IOC membership offers a unique institutional opportunity to align international trade compliance with rigorous labor ethics, ensuring that local economic prosperity directly supports the welfare of its agricultural workforce.
