ISLAMABAD, Dec 15: All Pakistan Federation of Labour and National Alliance of Trade Unions have appealed to President Gen Pervez Musharraf not to accept the resignation of Federal Labour Minister Omar Asghar Khan.

In a joint appeal, these trade unions said: “In view of his brilliant record of achievements, Omar Asghar Khan’s exit from your team will be a great loss not only to your government, but also to the country, whose interest you cherish most.”

The secretary-general, All Pakistan Federation of Labour, M. Zahoor Awan, in his statement, said: “The news of Omar Asghar Khan’s resignation has been received by the workers community as a great shock. During his stay in the government, Mr Khan had greatly endeared himself to the workers. Through dedicated hard work, he won the support of the workers community for the present government.”

He said during his stay, many outstanding problems confronting the workers were resolved amicably, such as the restoration of union activity in Wapda, restoration of May Day holiday and fixation of minimum wage of Rs2,500 per month.

Besides, he enhanced worker’s pension from Rs425 to Rs630, and subsequently to Rs700 and also increased compensation rate in case of death and disability from Rs100,000 to Rs200,000.

Mr Awan said the labour minister was instrumental in formulation of ‘Work Plans’ for the elimination of child and bonded labour.

“It goes to his credit that the Pakistan Tripartite Labour Conference was organized after an interval of 13 years. He also activated the Standing Labour Committee. It was during his tenure that Pakistan ratified two ILO core conventions,” he said.

At present Omar Asghar Khan was busy formulating a new labour policy and had undertaken the task of codification and simplification of labour laws. It also goes to his credit that in solving all these complicated issues, he always carried the support of the employers and workers with him, the statement added.

The union leaders said: “His performance during a short period of 26 months was outstanding not only for the government, but, the country as a whole. He has also earned respect from international organizations, such as, ILO, International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) and others.”

The National Alliance of Trade Union leader, Liaquat Ali Sahi, said if Mr Khan’s resignation was accepted, his organization would protest against the government action.