On the occasion of International Labour Day 2025, the International Labour Organization (ILO) Pakistan and the National Industrial Relations Commission (NIRC) are organizing a historic conference in Islamabad on May 1, 2025, at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA). Titled “Harmony with Change,” the event aims to foster dialogue between employers and workers, address labour rights, and align national laws with international standards.
Geir Tonstol, ILO Pakistan Country Director, emphasized that “labour rights are human rights,” calling for solidarity amid global challenges like economic inequality, climate change, and technological disruptions. Justice (Retd.) Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, NIRC Chairman, highlighted the conference as a first-of-its-kind initiative since 1969, designed to bridge gaps between employers and employees and promote fair dispute resolution.
The high-profile gathering will feature federal ministers, Supreme Court judges, industrialists, trade union leaders, and legal experts. Key sessions include discussions on industrial harmony, grievance redressal under the Industrial Relations Act 2012, and Pakistan’s compliance with ILO conventions. Notable speakers include Barrister Zafarullah Khan on Islamic labour principles, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail on judicial protection of workers, and ILO’s Geir Tonstol on the future of work.
With Pakistan facing rising inflation, job insecurity, and automation challenges, the conference seeks to shape policies for a more equitable and sustainable workforce. The event will conclude with honorary awards and a commitment to ongoing social dialogue, marking a potential turning point in Pakistan’s labour relations.
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