ISLAMABAD ( WNAM REPORT ): Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, and Mian Akram Farid, Central Chairman of the Employers’ Federation of Pakistan (EFP), both emphasized the government’s commitment to protecting and enhancing labor rights during events marking International Labour Day.
Mian Akram Farid commended Federal Minister Salik Hussain’s initiatives, stating, “The initiatives taken by Federal Minister Salik Hussain for the protection of labor rights are commendable.” He highlighted the Ministry’s efforts, under Chaudhry Salik Hussain’s leadership, to address labor challenges and safeguard their rights in accordance with international laws. Farid made these remarks at the first tripartite labor conference, where he congratulated Justice (Retd.) Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, Chairman of the National Industrial Relations Commission (NIRC), Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain, and Geir Thomas Tonstol, Director, International Labour Organization (ILO), for convening this important forum for the judiciary, government, media, and labor leadership.
Furthermore, Mian Akram Farid lauded the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) for its skill-training programs, particularly for working women, aimed at boosting their financial empowerment and access to high-tech education and employment. He also acknowledged a recent meeting between the EFP and representatives from the International Labour Organization and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), underscoring the government’s dedication to creating safe and productive workplaces and upholding labor rights. He further appreciated the ILO’s ongoing support for labor protection and opportunities.
Separately, while addressing an event in Islamabad organized with support from the NIRC, Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain announced a series of initiatives to support workers. He affirmed that “laborers are central to national progress, and the government is working on multiple plans to improve their living and working conditions.” He noted the historical commitment of his family to labor rights, following the example of his father, Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain, and grandfather, Chaudhry Zahoor Hussain, who also held the same ministerial post.
The minister highlighted the current government’s efforts to provide financial relief through various welfare programs. These initiatives include sending 15 individuals for Hajj this year under the Workers Welfare Fund, increasing the marriage grant for workers’ children by Rs 0.5 million, and raising the compensation for the death of a worker to Rs 1 million.
