International Labour Day was observed on Sunday all over the country to pay homage to the martyrs of Chicago, who laid down their lives struggling for the dignity of working class and protesting against curses of capitalism. May 1 (International Labour's Day) commemorates the historic struggle of the working people throughout the world, and is recognised in most countries. Various political parties, labour unions and social organisations arranged rallies through out the country and pledged to continue their struggle for the protection of labourers' rights, raise in the minimum wages, to eradicate forced labour and enactment of new labour laws.
In the federal capital, rallies and exhibitions were also organised to mark the day. Legal Human Rights Society held a rally led by its President, Ajmal Khan Khattak. The participants were carrying placards inscribed with slogans demanding laws against forced labour, establishment of separate court for labour matters, increase in the wages of kiln workers and protection of labourers' rights.
All Pakistan Oil Tankers Welfare Association (APOTA) also held a rally in the capital, comprising caravan of oil tankers decorated with different banners, from Faizabad to Zero Point on the occasion of Labour Day. The demonstrators demanded of the government to protect the rights of labourers, which are enshrined in the Constitution and asked the government to increase their wages to enhance their standards of living.
An exhibition was also organised here at Nomad Art Gallery on the eve of International Labour Day. The paintings exhibited were the result of a workshop conducted at Nomad Gallery by the eminent Bangladeshi artist, Iftikharuddin Ahmed. Participants included established and emerging artists who had given a voice to the theme 'The Struggle of The People' through visual art.