Karachi: A pivotal conference was held in Karachi, focusing on the elimination of forced labor in Pakistan’s supply chains. The event was organized by the Employers Federation of Pakistan (EFP), in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and supported by the U.S. Department of Labor through the BRIDGE Project.

According to Employers’ Federation of Pakistan, the conference opened with remarks from Malik Tahir Javed, President of the EFP, who underlined the significance of complying with labor standards to maintain ethical business practices and Pakistan’s international trade relationships. Speakers including the Provincial Minister for Labor, Shahid Abdul Salam Thahim, and Guillermo Mont, Officer-in-Charge of the ILO Country Office, addressed the government’s efforts and international cooperation in combating forced labor in various sectors.

The conference also featured insights from Raja Tanveer Azmi, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, who announced that Pakistan is preparing to ratify ILO’s Protocol 29, reinforcing its commitment to this cause. Contributions from business leaders and social sector experts, including representatives from Artistic Milliners and Nestle Pakistan, shed light on the challenges and proposed measures for eradicating forced labor.

The session concluded with a Q and A segment, providing an opportunity for attendees to engage directly with experts on the pressing issue of forced labor in Pakistan.