The working class all over the country commemorated May 1, ie, International Labour Day with great fervour holding rallies and demonstrations and taking out processions in major cities, including Lahore. In provincial capital of Punjab, the main procession was taken out from Bakhtiar Labour Hall. It was participated by thousands of trade union representatives under the aegis of Pakistan Workers Confederation.
The procession was led by Khurshed Ahmad General Secretary, Muhammad Yakoob President Pakistan Workers Confederation, Ch Talib Nawaz President Pakistan Workers Federation, Rubina Jamil General Secretary, General Secretary, All Pakistan Trade Union Federation and others.
Labourers in their May Day march carried national flags and red banners, raised slogans against feudalism, World Bank and IMF, unemployment, constant rising prices, anti-labour laws, authoritarian tactics to constantly fleece people by increasing taxes. They demanded of the authorities to give account of already collected taxes and tell the nation how much of its amount was spent on workers welfare, peoples' health, education and other similar sectors.
The labour leaders demanded that people help given in the name of politicians to the people of Pakistan should not be named after them as they were not helping them through their pockets but through taxes and exchequer of Pakistan.
Legendary labour leader Khurseed Ahmed castigated the authorities for ever increasing price hike, increase in prices of petrol, CNG and electricity. They demanded implementation of labour laws in line with the statutes of ILO.
They warned the authoritarian and political mafia of conditions faced in Middle East and said those doing the same here could face the same consequences. The warned that anti-people policies in the garb of democracy or any other system, would not be tolerated.
Labour leaders said they appreciated the role being played by media in the national struggle and said they were with them in thick and thin.
Farooq Tarik labour leader and spokesman of Pakistan Labour Party in anther rally led from press club to Assembly Hall warned of ever-increasing price spiral in the country. He and other leaders demanded of increase in their wages and said that labour of Pakistan was united in its struggle against economic oppression.
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