President and Prime Minister pledge to bring improvement in lives of working class

President Pervez Musharraf has said that the government is fully alive to address the problems of workers, and would ensure their fundamental rights by pursuing active policies. In his message on the International Labour Day, the President said that Pakistan joins the world in observing this day, which reinvigorates the spirit to respect the fundamental rights of workers.
He said that not only the standards of modern world and charters speak for the dignity of labour, but Islam also places great emphasis on the rightful status of a worker in the society. He mentioned Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) saying that "A worker is a friend to Allah", who also enjoined upon the employers never to overburden their employees.
The President said that the May Day, besides its historical significance, provides an opportunity to focus on the issues of the working class in the country including poverty, unemployment, low wages, occupational safety, freedom of association and social protection. President Musharraf said that although the government has been successful in many areas, but there is still vast room for improvement. "We have to go a long way to reach ideal standards. Challenges are enormous, but we must not be discouraged and continue our efforts to bring relief to the people." He said that the country's workforce has always kept the interests of Pakistan at priority as their contribution towards the socio-economic progress is of crucial importance.
He expressed confidence that the workers would continue to play their role for the development and prosperity of the nation. He also urged them to acquire new and emerging skills, improve productivity, and enhance competitiveness, thus proving themselves as the best in the world.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani in his message on the International Labour Day has stated that the present government was going for a complete and comprehensive review of the country's existing labour laws in order to bring them in conformity with the international labour standards.
"The objective is to ensure the provision of basic rights to workers under the universally observed fundamental principles," the Prime Minster said. He said that keeping in view the ideals of Islam as our guiding principles, the present government has committed itself to bring a visible improvement in the lives of the working class. "We are committed to the promotion of decent working conditions in the country and ensuring effective social protection to the workers." The Prime Minister said that all such laws, regulations and systems would be abolished which support any opportunity of exploitation of the work force.
"Freedom of association and collective bargaining are the fundamental rights that were denied to certain segments of workers over the past decade; our government has restored this right to all the workers without discrimination," he added.
The Prime Minister said while the government is taking all possible measures for the welfare and well being of workers, it also expects from them to use all their energies for the socio-economic development of the country. At the same time, he said, it must be remembered that industrial peace and harmony is the basic ingredient of industrial progress and prosperity of the people.
"Trade unions have to redefine their role for greater discipline and higher productivity through awareness and education." The Prime Minister said he was confident that both the partners of production - the workers and the employers - would build upon their capabilities to make Pakistan a model of socio-economic development, better living standards and respect for the internationally recognised rights of the working class. He also paid homage to the struggle of the martyrs of Chicago, who refused to submit before the forces of oppression, and gallantly stood for their rights of better working and living conditions.
"Their struggle indeed, proved instrumental in bringing dignity to the working class. We stand committed to demonstrate our solidarity and support for such movements, which have been founded upon right and justice, as well as inspired their adherents with the willingness to sacrifice for their cause," he added.
The Prime Minister said that protection of human rights is the bedrock of Islamic teachings, and so is the dignity and respect for labour. "Our religion greatly stresses for honesty, hard work and observance of mutual obligations that lead to harmonious relationship between the employers and the employees," he added.