ISLAMABAD (May 1, 2026) — President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif issued high-level tributes on Friday to mark International Labor Day, describing the nation’s workforce as the “backbone of society” and a “pillar of national strength.” In separate messages, the leaders emphasized the vital role of both domestic laborers and overseas workers in driving Pakistan’s economic development. While the President focused on constitutional protections against exploitation, the Prime Minister highlighted new federal initiatives aimed at aligning the workforce with modern global standards and improving professional certifications.
Quick Facts
- Laborers, artisans, and professionals were hailed as the primary force keeping the national economy moving.
- President Zardari cited Article 3 of the Constitution, which mandates the elimination of all forms of exploitation.
- PM Shehbaz announced a “National Skills Development Policy” to help overseas workers meet international certification standards.
- National bodies like the EOBI and Workers Welfare Fund were directed to continue prioritizing pensions and housing for families.
- Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to International Labor Organization (ILO) conventions despite ongoing challenges with enforcement.
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
President Zardari recognized the historic struggle for fair wages and dignified working conditions, stating that the true strength of Pakistan lies in the hands of its laborers. He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to achieving Sustainable Development Goals and eliminating forced and child labor. The President emphasized that investing in human capital is the most productive investment a nation can make, characterizing workers not as the margin of the economy, but as its foundation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif specifically lauded the contributions of millions of overseas Pakistanis, whose remittances remain a source of national pride and economic stability. He noted that the federal government is placing special emphasis on language proficiency and internationally recognized training to ensure workers secure dignified opportunities worldwide. The Prime Minister called on the business community and industrialists to uphold the protection and dignity of the labor force at all levels.
Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s Message on Labour Day 1 May, 2026.
Pakistan joins the international community today in commemorating Labour Day with renewed resolve and commitment. On this occasion, I pay tribute to workers across the world, and especially to the… pic.twitter.com/Us0qnyiqAm
— Prime Minister’s Office (@PakPMO) May 1, 2026
Despite these high-level tributes, data from the ILO indicates that Pakistan has yet to ratify 55 conventions and protocols. While robust labor laws exist on paper, experts and labor advocates continue to point toward weak enforcement, low pay, and a lack of adequate social protection as persistent hurdles for the millions of workers celebrated during the May Day holiday.
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