KARACHI: Economists, rights activists and labour leaders have urged the government to place workers at the centre of economic and climate policies amid the deteriorating economy, shrinking labour protections, widening income inequality and environmental changes.

These concerns were raised at a conference, organised by the Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research (Piler), at the Arts Council of Pakistan on Saturday.

Titled “Workers and the Current Economic Situation”, the conference brought together economists, academics, trade unionists and human rights defenders to reflect on the challenges facing Pakistan’s labourers and pay tribute to Piler founder Karamat Ali on his death anniversary.

Former State Bank governor Dr Ishrat Husain said Pakistan’s economic recovery depended on exports. He said that international markets, particularly the European Union, were increasingly linking market access to compliance with environmental, human and labour rights standards. He said industries would have to invest in workers’ welfare and skills development to remain competitive.

He urged employers to train workers and treat them with dignity, arguing that employees worked with greater commitment when regarded as part of the organisation. Informal sector workers, he added, should be incorporated into training and social protection programmes through systematic upskilling.

Dr Husain also called for climate change to be treated as a labour issue, saying the country’s vast informal economy, estimated at 80 to 85 per cent of economic activity, remained outside climate and social protection policies despite being among the most vulnerable. Referring to growing inequality across South Asia, he warned that rising poverty alongside increasing concentration of wealth posed a serious threat to social cohesion. “This inequality is snake venom for social cohesion,” he remarked.

Architect and urban planner Arif Hasan said climate adaptation required practical interventions at the community level, including better ventilation, insulated roofs and reflective wall coatings to reduce heat stress in working-class neighbourhoods.

“The heatwave challenge can be solved, but it requires research and practical work,” he said.

Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) Chairman Asad Iqbal Butt said fundamental rights were a constitutional obligation rather than a privilege granted by the state. He expressed concern over restrictions on freedom of expression, the media, social media and peaceful protest, saying many citizens feared speaking openly.

Academic Dr Jaffar Ahmed paid tribute to Karamat Ali’s contribution to the labour movement, saying he had dedicated his life to promoting constitutional awareness among workers, strengthening trade unions and expanding legal protections for women, children and informal workers.

Classical dancer and rights activist Sheema Kermani criticised the historical marginalisation of women trade union leaders despite their significant role in labour struggles.

Piler Director Abbas Haider criticised the proposed Sindh Labour Code, alleging that it has weakened workers’ rights by redefining key labour terms.

Published in Dawn, June 15th, 2026