President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif termed the labour force of Pakistan the “backbone” of society and a “pillar of national strength” in statements commemorating International Labour Day on Friday.

As the world commemorated the international holiday observed annually on May 1, the president and the premier issued separate messages to mark the occasion.

PM Shehbaz paid tribute to Pakistan’s labour force as well as its overseas workers, appreciating their “dedicated service” and terming them a national pride.

“On this occasion, I pay tribute to workers across the world, and especially to the hardworking labour force of Pakistan, for their selfless contributions and dedicated service,” he said in a statement on X.

He termed labourers, farmers, artisans, factory workers, and professionals across all sectors the “backbone of our society”.

“Their sacrifices, hard work and perseverance keep the wheels of life moving, from fields to factories, construction sites to workshops, at local level and right to the global stage,” he said, calling these workers a source of national pride.

The premier also appreciated the remittances of millions of Pakistani workers overseas, saying, “Our labour force, both at home and abroad, reflects our national capability, industriousness, and professional excellence … Their contributions towards the country’s future remain deeply valued and etched in our collective consciousness.”

According to the prime minister, the federal government has undertaken targeted initiatives to enhance the skills and professional capacity of Pakistanis seeking employment abroad. These include the National Skills Development Policy, under which “a comprehensive strategy has been developed to align our workforce with the evolving needs of industry, trade, and modern global standards”, he said.

He added, “Special emphasis is being placed on internationally recognised training, language proficiency, and certification to ensure that our workforce secures dignified opportunities worldwide.”

Additionally, he noted that national institutions such as the Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution (EOBI) and the Workers Welfare Fund (WWF) continued to strive for the welfare of workers and their families by providing pensions, housing, education, and other essential services.

He expressed resolve to “renew our collective commitment at government: both federal and provincial levels” and on an individual level to safeguard the rights of workers.

The premier called upon all stakeholders, including the business community and industrialists, to uphold the “dignity and protection” of the country’s labour force.

“We pray that the hardworking people of Pakistan continue to illuminate the nation’s name through their dedication, skill, and integrity, and remain a proud symbol of resilience, determination, and national honour,” he said.

President Asif Ali Zardari also issued a statement on the occasion, posted to his official social media account on X.

“I join the nation in recognising the historic struggle of workers whose sacrifices for fair wages, reasonable working hours and dignified conditions laid the foundation of modern labour rights,” he said.

“At the very beginning of our constitution, article 3 has been titled as ‘Elimination of exploitation’ and it says: ‘The State shall ensure the elimination of all forms of exploitation and the gradual fulfilment of fundamental principles, from each according to his ability to each according to his work,’” the president noted.

He extended his deep appreciation to Pakistani labourers, saying, “Their work … is the force that drives national development. The true strength of Pakistan lies in the hands of its labourers.”

The president added that Pakistan remained committed to upholding international labour standards and promoting fundamental rights at work, “including fair wages, social protection, the elimination of forced and child labour and non-discrimination”. He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to the International Labour Organisation’s conventions and achieving Sustainable Development Goals related to work and social protection.

He joined the premier in appreciating the overseas Pakistani workforce, calling them a “pillar of national strength”.

“Ensuring safe working conditions, fair wages and equal opportunities is both a national priority and a moral responsibility,” President Zardari said, adding that “investing in human capital is the most productive investment a nation can make”.

“I salute the workers of Pakistan,” he concluded. “You are not the margin of our economy; you are its foundation.”

According to the International Labourers Organisation (ILO), Pakistan has yet to ratify 55 conventions and protocols.

Labour laws exist but enforcement is weak, and despite government promises to create millions of jobs, issues like low pay, lack of social protection, and poor representation remain unresolved.