President Asif Ali Zardari honors workers’ historic sacrifices while reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to fair wages, social protection, and dignified employment.
ISLAMABAD: Marking International Labour Day, President Asif Ali Zardari paid tribute to workers across Pakistan and the world, invoking a historic struggle that began 140 years ago and continues to shape modern labor rights.
In his message issued on May 1, 2026, the president highlighted the sacrifices of workers in Chicago in 1886, who laid down their lives demanding fair working conditions. He recalled their enduring slogan: “Eight hours for work, eight hours for rest, and eight hours for what we will,” describing it as a defining moment in the global recognition of human dignity.
Zardari emphasized that the spirit behind the movement was rooted in rejecting exploitation and asserting that workers are not machines but individuals entitled to balanced lives, including time for family, social, cultural, and political engagement.
Referring to Pakistan’s constitutional framework, the president noted that the 1973 Constitution spearheaded by former Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto enshrines the elimination of exploitation as a fundamental principle. He cited Article 3, which obligates the state to ensure equitable distribution based on ability and work.
The president praised Pakistan’s labor force as the backbone of national development, recognizing their contributions in building cities, cultivating land, and sustaining industries. “Their work is not merely a means of livelihood but a driving force behind national progress,” he said.
Reaffirming Pakistan’s commitment to international labor standards, Zardari underscored efforts to promote fair wages, social protection, and the eradication of forced and child labor. He reiterated alignment with International Labour Organization conventions and the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to decent work and inclusive economic growth.
Highlighting the role of overseas Pakistanis, he said millions working abroad contribute not only to the global economy but also serve as ambassadors of the country’s values and professionalism. Their remittances, he added, strengthen families, uplift communities, and stabilize the national economy.
Despite ongoing challenges, the president acknowledged the resilience of workers across all sectors, calling them the “backbone of the nation.” He stressed that ensuring safe working conditions, equal opportunities, and fair compensation remains both a national priority and a moral obligation.
Zardari also outlined a forward-looking vision centered on investing in human capital, promoting technical and vocational education, increasing women’s participation in the workforce, and creating dignified employment opportunities for youth both domestically and internationally.
He concluded with a call for collective action, urging employers, trade unions, provincial governments, and international partners to work together toward an economy where labor is respected, wages are fair, and exploitation is eliminated. “A nation that protects its workers protects its future,” he said.
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