ISLAMABAD: The General Council of the Pakistan Workers Federation (PWF) on Thursday elected its leadership for 2025-2027. The house elected Chaudhry Abdul Rehman Aasi as Chairman, Shaukat Ali Anjum as President, while Asad Mehmood was elected as General Secretary.

PWF, the largest national trade union centre in Pakistan, held its National General Council Meeting today in Islamabad. The meeting was presided over by Muhammad Naseem Rao, following the successful conclusion of regional elections across the country in accordance with the PWF Constitution. The elected regional office bearers for 2025-27 and representatives of PWF-affiliated unions from across Pakistan participated in this democratic process.

In the presence of observers from the National Industrial Relations Commission (NIRC), Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Pakistan, Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) and other civil society organisations, the house unanimously elected: Ch Abdul Rehman Aasi—Chairman, Shaukat Ali Anjum—President, Asad Mehmood — General Secretary.

While, house elected several deputy general secretaries, which included Chaudhry Muhammad Yaseen, Asad Ur Rehman, Muhammad Rafique Chandiya, Khadim Hussain Khoso, Abdul Razzaq Memon, MehboobUllah, Haji Anwer Kamal, Sana ul Haq. Similarly, vice presidents and vice chairmen were also elected.

Former General Secretary Ch Muhammad Yaseen, addressing the house, appreciated the members' participation and their exercise of democratic rights. He stated, “True democracy lies in empowering our members. I firmly believe in promoting a new generation of leaders and ensuring equal space for women in unions.”

Meanwhile, the house also unanimously passed several resolutions, including opposing privatisation and outsourcing of public services entities, and campaigning against anti-worker and anti-union legislation.

The representative of workers also promised to advocate for action on climate change affecting workers’ lives. They also demanded the implementation of minimum wages and decent working conditions.

Published in Dawn, June 13th, 2025