Islamabad, In a significant stride toward fostering social justice across the nation, Pakistan today unveiled the National Coalition for Social Justice. This initiative, launched in collaboration with government bodies, employers’ and workers’ organizations, represents a concerted effort to promote decent work and social justice for all citizens. The inauguration event, organized by the Ministry of Overseas Pakistani and Human Resource Development (MOPHRD), coincided with the World Day of Social Justice, drawing together key figures from various sectors committed to addressing social inequalities.
According to United Nations Pakistan, the establishment of the National Coalition for Social Justice is a pivotal moment for Pakistan, following its pioneering role in the International Labour Organization’s (ILO) Global Coalition for Social Justice last year. This coalition is a testament to Pakistan’s dedication to creating a more equitable and humane society, emphasizing the right of every individual to pursue both material and spiritual well-being under conditions of freedom, security, equity, and human dignity.
The launch event highlighted the urgent need to confront the growing disparities within the workforce, exacerbated by climate change, demographic shifts, technological progress, and changes in employment patterns. Participants underscored the importance of a unified approach to mitigate these disparities and foster a more inclusive society.
Dr. Arshad Mahmood, Federal Secretary of the OPHRD, pinpointed the gender gap in the labor force as a critical challenge, with women constituting only about 21% of the Pakistani workforce. He underscored that discrimination and inequalities not only hamper economic development but also exclude vast segments of the population from participating in the labor market, thereby stalling social progress and infringing upon fundamental human rights.
Geir Tonstol, ILO Pakistan’s Country Director, echoed the sentiment, stressing the imperative for social justice in ensuring access to quality education, decent jobs, and social protection for all. The formation of the National Coalition offers a unique opportunity to address injustices in the workplace and to cultivate cooperation towards an inclusive and equitable work environment globally.
Chaudhry Naseem Iqbal, President of the Pakistan Worker’s Federations, and Malik Tahir Javed, President of the Employers’ Federation of Pakistan, both expressed their organizations’ commitment to the coalition’s goals. They highlighted the coalition as a crucial step toward realizing social justice in the country, marking it as a significant achievement for Pakistan’s workers’ movement and a practical approach towards achieving sustainable development through decent work for all.
The National Coalition for Social Justice in Pakistan sets a precedent for collaborative efforts between government, employers, and workers to address and overcome social inequalities. It marks a hopeful advancement towards transforming the aspiration for social justice into a concrete reality, ensuring a fairer future for every Pakistani.