Geneva: The Director General of the International Labour Organization (ILO), Gilbert F. Houngbo, has praised Pakistan for its dedication to enhancing the welfare and social protection of workers, as well as its efforts in ensuring a smooth transition for migrant workers. This acknowledgment came during a meeting with Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Pakistan’s Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, at the International Labour Conference in Geneva.

During the meeting, Minister Hussain detailed the initiatives Pakistan has undertaken to meet its international obligations concerning worker welfare, social protection, and occupational safety. He emphasized the government’s commitment to improving conditions for workers and promoting legal migration with assured safety and job security.

Minister Hussain highlighted Pakistan’s unique position in the region, being the only country to ratify three ILO conventions within a short timeframe. He noted that memorandums of understanding for skilled and semi-skilled labor are being negotiated with various countries to facilitate these efforts.

Additionally, Minister Hussain mentioned that the government is ensuring that migrant workers are trained in accordance with the customs, traditions, and basic language of their destination countries to enhance their productivity and contribution.

The Minister also sought increased technical and donor support for the ratification of ILO convention C-176, which pertains to the safety and health of mine workers. He expressed appreciation for the continued assistance provided by the ILO’s Country Office to his ministry.

The meeting was attended by several key officials, including Pakistan’s Permanent Representative at Geneva, Bilal Ahmad, and other representatives from the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development.