QUETTA: Senior leaders of the National Party marked International Labour Day with strong calls for workers’ rights, democratic freedoms, and an end to political repression, while highlighting the continued struggles of labourers across Balochistan and Pakistan.

Speaking at a gathering in connection with the May 1 International Labour Day on Friday in Turbat, National Party President Dr Malik Baloch said that despite adhering to nonviolent political principles, his party continues to face hardships regardless of whether it participates in elections. “We are political people and believe in peaceful struggle, yet we are confronted with challenges in every situation,” he remarked.

Dr Malik emphasised that the essence of Labour Day lies in raising a collective voice against oppression, injustice, and exploitation. He noted that major global transformations, such as the Bolshevik Revolution and the Chinese Revolution, were driven by the working class. Expressing concern over current conditions, he said workers and unions were increasingly being denied their fundamental right to protest, stressing that speaking out against injustice is a responsibility shared by all conscious citizens.

He also voiced concern over reported incidents of enforced disappearances, including that of BSO leader Babul Malik, stating that such developments reflect the ongoing suffering in the region.

Dr Malik says despite adhering to non-violent political principles, his party faces hardships

Speaking on the occasion, Senator Jan Muhammad Buledi highlighted the long history of labour movements, noting that workers began their organised struggle for rights nearly 140 years ago. He said that although Pakistan has committed to constitutional and international labour protections, workers still face exploitation and economic hardship.

Buledi pointed out that the officially declared minimum wage of Rs37,000 remains insufficient to sustain a family, adding that even lower wages are common in the private sector. He criticised government economic policies, particularly taxation measures such as the petroleum levy, arguing that they place additional burdens on ordinary citizens.

National Party leader Shakeel Ahmed Baloch underscored key labour concerns, including fair wages, reasonable working hours, and post-retirement protections. He also stressed the importance of social security for all citizens and welcomed the participation of various labour unions in the event, reaffirming the party’s support for their demands.

Meanwhile, a separate Labour Day gathering organised by the National Party at the Quetta Press Club drew a large number of workers, union representatives, and party members. Speakers, including Mir Kabir Ahmed Muhammad and Aslam Baloch, reiterated the party’s commitment to representing the middle class and advocating for the restoration of student and trade unions, which they described as essential pillars of democracy.

Party leaders stated that May 1 is not only a day to honour the sacrifices of workers, including those linked to the Haymarket affair, but also an opportunity to renew efforts against exploitation and injustice. They maintained that restrictions on unions have contributed to political and economic stagnation.

Highlighting past achievements, leaders said the National Party had regularised thousands of Lady Health Workers and teachers during its tenure in government. They strongly opposed the privatisation of public institutions, calling it detrimental to employees and public welfare.

Published in Dawn, May 2nd, 2026