The Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC), in collaboration with Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung, Pakistan, organized a stakeholder workshop on Business, Human Rights and Due Diligence at the National Institute of Labor Administration and Training (NILAT) on July 23, 2025. The event brought together key voices from government, civil society, and the labor sector to explore ethical supply chains and labor rights in Pakistan.
Member Judicial-I SHRC, Mr. Mir Safdar Hussain Talpur, highlighted the Commission’s role in raising awareness and guiding policy reforms, stressing that many violations persist simply due to a lack of public knowledge about their rights. Other speakers, including labor rights activists and representatives from the Employers’ Federation of Pakistan, emphasized the urgent need for legal implementation, inclusive reforms, and social protections for informal and marginalized workers.
Mr. Abdullah Dayo, Program Advisor at FES-Pakistan. In his opening remarks, Mr. Dayo reaffirmed that “labour rights are fundamental human rights”, emphasizing the urgent need for Pakistan to strengthen its commitment to international framaeworks and treaties on business and human rights.
Mr. Nazar Ali, Employers’ Federation of Pakistan — Highlighted the importance of the Decent Work Country Programme and multi-stakeholder collaboration for human rights due diligence.
Mr. Nasir Mansoor, Labour Rights Activist — Stressed that over 95% of Pakistan’s workforce remains unregistered, making them highly vulnerable.
Ms. Zehra Akbar, Rights Advocate — Reflected on lessons from the Baldia Town tragedy and its global impact on corporate accountability.
Ms. Farhat Perveen, Women’s Rights Activist — Urged for the Sindh Women Agricultural Workers Act to be gender-neutral and inclusive of all rural labourers.
