LAHORE, April 21: The Punjab government plans to hold a social dialogue with representatives of workers and their employers at the district level to create a sense of participation among them, and create industrial harmony and ensure welfare of the workers.

Punjab Labour and Human Resource Secretary Dr Ijaz Munir said this at a seminar entitled “Social dialogue and welfare of the workers," held at Bakhtiar Labour Hall under auspices of the Pakistan Workers Federation on Thursday.

He said the Punjab government was also taking steps to implement labour laws in conformity with ILO Convention.

He said the government was keen to launch various development schemes for the workers and their family members.

“The CM has directed the department to prepare new development schemes for the workers so as to raise their status in society,” he added.

Speaking on the occasion, Justice Tanveer Ahmed Khan (retired) highlighted the need for re-promulgation of National Industrial Relation Ordinance that got expired on April 30, 2010, so that workers could exercise their fundamental rights relating to freedom of association and collective bargaining at national level in the light of ILO convention and the Constitution of Pakistan.

“It is need of the hour to acknowledge dignity of workers by giving them their rights that were being denied due to feudalistic system in our country,” Mr Khan said.

PWF Secretary-General Khurshid Ahmad urged the government to develop a culture of dialogue for the economic and social development of the nation.

“This culture will also help the government promote norms of social justice in society and tackle the aggravating issues like unemployment and poverty,” he added.

Manzoor Khalid, an ILO representative, said the organisation was monitoring as well as conducting various worker-related activities by involving all stakeholders.

Labour leaders Muhammad Akram, Talib Nawaz, Osama Tariq, Muhammad Yaqub and Fazal-i-Wahid also spoke on this occasion.