Islamabad: The head of the International Labour Organization (ILO) has reiterated a strong commitment to enhancing collaboration with Pakistan in areas of employment, skills development, and workers’ rights, following a meeting with Pakistan’s Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development. The discussion emphasized the need for improved labour protection for Pakistan’s expanding freelance and digital workforce.

According to Radio Pakistan, Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain met with ILO Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo in Islamabad, where they discussed Pakistan’s priorities in ensuring safe, fair, and dignified migration. The minister affirmed Pakistan’s intent to continue working with the ILO in areas such as fair recruitment, labour migration, and worker protection. He also emphasized the importance of further enhancing cooperation to promote employment and safeguard workers’ rights in Pakistan.

Gilbert F. Houngbo, during the meeting, expressed his organization’s commitment to improving opportunities for Pakistani workers in the global labor market. He assured continued support from the ILO to enhance the skills of Pakistan’s workforce and align training with international standards. The two sides agreed to step up efforts in equipping workers with modern skills to better integrate into the global economy.

The meeting concluded with the distribution of cheques to worker representatives and the presentation of a commemorative shield and gifts to the ILO Director-General by Minister Hussain. The event was attended by several key figures, including Minister of State for Overseas Pakistanis Muhammad Awn Chaudhry, Federal Secretary Nadeem Aslam Chaudhry, and representatives from workers’ unions and employers’ organizations.