KARACHI: Labourers, trade unions and political leaders across the province marked International Labour Day on Friday with rallies, seminars and public meetings highlighting the challenges faced by workers and calling for urgent reforms.

At different events labour leaders, human rights activists and members of the civil society sought fair wages, job security and the protection of workers’ rights in both formal and informal sectors.

At a gathering held at the Arts Council, Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Sindh president Nisar Ahmed Khuhro said the government must ensure that all workers were registered and given their due rights.

He said that nearly 96 per cent of workers in Sindh, including women, remained vulnerable. He pointed out that unemployment was rising and many industries, around 5,000 in the province alone, had shut down, calling for their revival.

Workers vow to continue fighting for living wages, fair treatment and job security

PPP leader and former Senate chairman Raza Rabbani presented a 13-point agenda for labour rights.

He criticised privatisation policies, saying that they lead to job losses and demanded removal of restrictions on trade unions. He also called for a “Workers’ Charter” and committees to ensure implementation of labour laws.

Provincial Minister Saeed Ghani also addressed the event and said that efforts had been made to ensure workers’ representation in assemblies, but such proposals faced opposition.

Separately, a large rally organised by the National Trade Union Federation Pakistan (NTUF) and Home-Based Women Workers Federation (HBWWF) marched from Regal Chowk to the Karachi Press Club where a large number of workers, including, journalists, teachers and lawyers joined the demonstration carrying red flags and banners. A large number of women participated in the rally.

The protesters demanded an end to the contract labour system, withdrawal of fuel price hike and payment of a living wage instead of the minimum wage.

They called for written job contracts, social security, pensions and right to form unions.

Speakers criticised privatisation and outsourcing, saying that these policies had weakened job security and increased exploitation.

Labour leaders also linked workers’ issues to global challenges.

They said wars, economic crises, and climate change are affecting workers the most.

It was highlighted that rising temperatures and environmental damage could cause massive job losses worldwide, while unsafe workplaces continue to put lives at risk.

Another rally was held by the All Lady Health Workers Programme Union. Women workers from across Sindh gathered to highlight their specific issues, including lack of service structure, low wages, and pension concerns.

Union leaders said women workers face additional challenges such as harassment and unequal pay.

They stressed that unity among workers is essential to achieve their rights. The speakers demanded immediate steps to improve working conditions and ensure fair compensation, especially in light of rising inflation.

Meanwhile, the Pakistan Federation of Chemical, Energy, Mines and General Workers Unions also organised a rally from Gul Plaza to the Karachi Press Club. Their leaders said May Day is not just a symbolic event but a reminder of the historic struggle for an eight-hour workday and fair treatment.

They said that workers in Pakistan are facing severe economic pressure due to inflation, low wages, and lack of social protection. The federation demanded strict implementation of minimum wage laws, abolition of contract system and provision of healthcare, pensions, and safe working conditions. They also warned that divisions within labour movements weaken their collective strength.

In another demonstration, employees of Pakistan Post, under their union, marched from the General Post Office to the Karachi Press Club. They raised concerns about lack of facilities, low wages and rising living costs.

The workers demanded better support from the government, including fuel allowances for postmen and relief in the national budget.

Labour Day rallies, demonstrations and seminars were also held in all district headquarters, as well as other cities and towns, of Hyderabad, Larkana, Sukkur, Badin, Mirpurkhas, Sanghar, Benazirabad, Naushahro Feroze, Jacobabad, Kandhkot-Kashmore, Shikarpur and Ghotki.

The events were organised by the respective district administrations, besides different labour rights organisations and trade unions.

Pakistan Wapda Hydro Electric Workers Union organised its major rally outside the Hyderabad Press Club where the CBA leader Latif Nizamani, addressed the participants.

The other organisers included All Pakistan Clerks Association, Mazd­oor Ittehad Union, Mehran Mazdoor Federa­tion, Watan Dost Mazdoor Federation, Mehnat Kash Labor Union, Highway Workers Union Revolut­ionary Group, Peoples Labour Bureau, Pakistan Trade Union Federation Sindh, Awami Workers Party and Sindh Taraqqi-Pasand Party.

The participants saluted the Chicago martyrs and vowed to continue a vigorous struggle for the rights of workers.

Published in Dawn, May 2nd, 2026