Praising FES’s commitment to global worker welfare, Mr. Iqbal Ahmed Detho, Chairperson of the Sindh Human Rights Commission, urged similar dedication from our leaders, citing public-spirited individuals like Mr. Nisar Siddiqui and Dr. Adeeb Rizvi as exemplars. He also announced plans to establish a scholarship for children's human rights education. Commending the Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Pakistan Labour Academy initiative, Detho expressed hope for an annual academy in Karachi, emphasizing the interconnectedness of institutions like the Sindh Judicial Academy, NILAT, and the police academy. In closing remarks, Detho announced upcoming training for labor inspectors on due diligence and pertinent issues, calling for action to strive for a fairer, more equitable future for all workers.
Mr. Rejho Mal Sajnani, Law Officer, Government of Sindh, gave a detailed presentation on existing labor laws and their implementation in the provinces at the Pakistan Labour Academy 2024 held at the National Institute of Labour and Training (NILAT), Karachi. Over 35 participants from across Pakistan attended the course jointly organized by Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Pakistan, Sindh Human Rights Commission, and NILAT.
Karamat Ali, Executive Director of Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research (PILER), delivered an address on the current situation of workers in Pakistan at the closing ceremony of Pakistan Labour Academy. According to him, a survey has revealed that 85% of workers do not receive minimum wages. Quoting another survey, he highlighted the alarming shortage of labor inspectors in the country, with only 541 inspectors, of which a mere 17 are female.
Gratitude and Insight from Shariq Ahmed, Secretary Labour and Human Resource Department, Government of Sindh! “It’s an honor for me to be a part of this project. What these people learned here is an asset for them,” he remarked at the closing ceremony of Pakistan Labour Academy. Highlighting the significance of trade unions for labor rights, he pointed out that only 11% of labor in Pakistan is unionized.
Barrister Rida Tahir, Legal Consultant at Sindh Human Rights Commission, delivered an enlightening session at the Pakistan Labour Academy 2024 on ‘Female Labour Force Participation, Gender Equality, and Sexual Harassment in the context of industrial relations’. Her insights covered crucial topics including constitutional and legal rights of labor, CEDAW, equal remuneration, opportunities, protection against sexual harassment, and the impact of climate on working conditions. Empowering discussions for a more inclusive workforce.
Honored Guest’s Insights! Mr. Ahmed Shah, Minister for Information, Minorities Affairs & Social Protection Department, delivered a poignant address at the closing ceremony of the Pakistan Labour Academy (PLA) 2024. He extended appreciation to Sindh Human Rights Commission and Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Pakistan for orchestrating PLA, emphasizing the fundamental duty of all departments and the government to uplift marginalized communities. Shah underscored the constitutional equality while acknowledging disparities within Sindh, noting the governance system's failure to adequately address labor rights. He stressed the necessity for more extensive and enduring projects like PLA across Sindh, necessitating collaboration between the government and civil society. Shah urged collective pride in our labor force and the denouncement of the social inequity perpetuated by the class system.
