ISLAMABAD: President of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has expressed solidarity with workers across the country in a message commemorating International Labour Day. The message, delivered on May 1, 2026, underscored the historical struggle of workers, particularly referencing the 140-year-old movement in Chicago that advocated for fair working conditions and an eight-hour workday.

According to Press Information Department, the President highlighted the importance of labour rights as enshrined in Pakistan’s 1973 constitution, notably Article 3, which emphasizes the elimination of exploitation. The message paid tribute to Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto’s role in framing these rights and acknowledged the contribution of labourers who support national development by building cities, cultivating lands, and sustaining industries.

The message reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to international labour standards, fair wages, social protection, and the elimination of forced and child labour. It also emphasized the importance of the International Labour Organization’s conventions and the Sustainable Development Goals related to decent work and inclusive growth.

The President recognized the contributions of Pakistani workers abroad, noting their role in the global economy and the impact of their remittances on local communities and economic stability. The message concluded with a call for collaboration among workers, employers, unions, governments, and international partners to ensure fair wages and safe working conditions. The President emphasized that labour empowerment is crucial for national strength and stability, and reiterated the vision of a Pakistan where every worker is skilled, protected, and fairly rewarded.