- Advertisement -
ISLAMABAD, May 01 (APP):The National Industrial Relations Commission (NIRC) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Thursday jointly organized the first international labour conference, marking a significant step in Pakistan’s approach to labour-management relations.
The one-day event drew stakeholders from multiple sectors, including top judiciary members, government departments, trade union leaders, and international organizations.
The participants discussed the need for practical strategies to bridge the gap between employers and workers, ensure workplace fairness, and encourage long-term development across industries. They agreed that consultation, legal reforms, and academic collaboration are essential to face labour-related challenges in 2025 and beyond.
Chairman NIRC, Justice (retd) Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, opened the conference by emphasizing the close connection between protecting workers’ rights and strengthening national industries. He said the NIRC’s core aim is to support legal and economic safeguards for workers while encouraging industrial growth.
He described the commission as a platform for resolving disputes between employers and employees, and also as a bridge that fosters mutual trust. He thanked the judiciary, public institutions, labour leaders, and global organizations for their presence and support, expressing hope that this joint initiative would help establish a fair and sustainable industrial system based on dignity for all workers.
On the occasion, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail of the Supreme Court of Pakistan stressed that laborers and employers are equal in the eyes of both law and religion. He called the Supreme Court the final protector of labour rights and highlighted the lack of institutional protection for mine workers in particular. He urged reforms to fix legal and administrative gaps that continue to affect workers’ welfare.
He referred to Article 17 of the Constitution, which protects the right to form unions, and said that trade unions must focus on building harmony alongside advocating for legal rights. Justice Mandokhail added that disputes between workers and management could be reduced through better communication and improved relationships at the workplace.
Meanwhile, Justice Jawad Hassan from the Lahore High Court noted that Pakistan has a strong tradition of labour laws, dating back to the Industrial Relations Ordinance of 1969. He said Pakistan is a signatory to nearly all of the ILO’s 48 key conventions, proving its commitment to international labour standards.
Renowned legal expert Barrister Dr. Zafarullah Khan linked the theme of justice in labour rights to religious teachings. Quoting the Quran, he said prophets were sent to establish justice, and in Islam, earning through honest work is not only lawful but also an act of worship. He emphasized that Islamic values replaced the concept of bonded labour with principles of freedom, equality, and dignity.
The conference also featured a technical session where heads of public institutions and union leaders gave practical insights on managing labour relations.
Managing Director of Associated Press of Pakistan (APP), Muhammad Asim Khichi said improvements in workplace dynamics depend on responsible leadership and sensible union demands. He emphasized that not all union demands can or should be accepted, and choosing the right representatives is key to solving workplace issues.
Tahir Yaqoob Bhatti, President of Zarai Taraqiati Bank Limited (ZTBL), shared that his organization has maintained a positive relationship with its trade union. Shoaib Adil, Additional Secretary of Pakistan Railways, informed the audience that the railway workforce comprises 58,000 employees represented by 21 active unions.
Utility Stores Corporation Managing Director Faisal Nisar noted that the corporation is now a profitable institution. He stressed that their ability to generate revenue directly supports further progress and operational success.
Labour leaders including Khurshid Ahmed, Anjum Shehzad, Syed Nazar Ali Shah, Shams Ur Rehman Swati, Chaudhry Muhammad Yaseen, and Chaudhry Manzoor urged the government to ensure that Pakistan’s labour laws align with the Constitution, ILO conventions, UN standards, and agreements with the European Union.
They also demanded consistent holding of such conferences to discuss labor concerns and suggested that regular dialogue between all stakeholders could resolve many long-standing issues.
ILO’s Pakistan Country Director, Geir Thomas Tonstrul, reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s efforts in labour rights and industrial harmony. He joined other participants in stressing that cooperative strategies and legal reforms are essential for sustainable progress in labor policies.
The event saw participation from a wide range of prominent figures, including Justice (retd) Mian Shakir Ullah Jan of the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Syed Atiq Shah of the Peshawar High Court, and Supreme Court Bar Association General Secretary Salman Mansoor Siddiqui.
The conference concluded with a shared understanding that labour and management must work together, not only to resolve conflicts but to build a workplace culture based on respect, dialogue, and fairness. Participants agreed to hold more such discussions in the future and to follow up with practical steps.