Shaping the Future of Labour Rights: 3rd Pakistan Labour Academy Held in Karachi
Imran
Karachi, The Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC), in collaboration with Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Pakistan, has successfully hosted the 3rd Pakistan Labour Academy (PLA) at the National Institute of Labour, Administration, and Training (NILAT) in Karachi. The event gathered a wide range of stakeholders, including human rights groups, labour unions, activists, civil society members, and youth representatives from across Pakistan to address the pressing issues of labour rights, legal advocacy, and policy reform.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Rajvir Singh Sodha, Special Assistant to the Chief Minister for Human Rights, reaffirmed the Sindh Government’s commitment to improving labour conditions. He called for a dedicated budget for labour training at NILAT, which he said would provide essential support for stronger advocacy and policy implementation. Sodha stressed the need for collaborative efforts between the government, civil society, and labour organizations to address existing gaps in labour protections.
Mr. Iqbal Ahmed Detho, Chairperson of SHRC, highlighted key issues, including the advocacy for a living wage, legal aid for workers, the establishment of labour courts, and improvements in occupational rights and maternity benefits. Under Detho’s leadership, SHRC has led efforts to push for legal reforms and greater cooperation between key stakeholders in the labour sector.
Mr. Zulfiqar Ali Shah, Member of SHRC, painted a stark picture of the challenges faced by workers in Pakistan, revealing that 95% of the workforce lacks union representation, 23% are subjected to forced labour, and millions of children are engaged in work instead of schooling. He also pointed to gender disparities, with women facing low wages and exclusion from labour protections. Shah called for stronger policies, educational programs, and awareness campaigns to ensure the protection of workers’ rights.
Mr. Abdullah Dayo, Program Advisor at FES Pakistan, provided a detailed overview of the Pakistan Labour Academy’s role in equipping labour representatives with the knowledge and skills needed to advocate for fair wages and improved working conditions. He emphasized that the academy’s curriculum, which includes specialized modules and experienced faculty, plays a crucial role in empowering labour leaders across the country.
In addition to discussions on workers’ rights, Mr. Muhammad Ali Shaikh, Director General of NILAT, and Ms. Zehra Khan pointed to the complexities of Pakistan’s labour laws and acknowledged the critical role that the Pakistan Labour Academy plays in helping workers navigate the system. Zehra also discussed the importance of engaging more women and transgender individuals in the labour movement and stressed the need for a more informed workforce in light of challenges such as privatization and the lack of formal employment contracts.
Felix Kolbitz, Country Director of FES Pakistan, praised the collaborative efforts of NILAT, SHRC, and FES in advancing the cause of labour rights. He reiterated that labour rights are fundamental human rights, and by strengthening unions and improving working conditions, Pakistan can create a fairer society for all workers.
The Pakistan Labour Academy continues to be a vital resource in the ongoing effort to secure fair wages, safer workplaces, and better legal protections for workers in Sindh and beyond.
