ISLAMABAD: President of Pakistan Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have hailed the country’s labour force as the “backbone” of society and a “pillar of national strength” in messages marking International Labour Day.
As the world marked the annual May 1 holiday, both leaders issued separate statements recognising the contributions of workers across sectors.
Sharif paid tribute to labourers in Pakistan and overseas, praising their “dedicated service”.
On this Labour Day, I join the nation in honouring every member of our workforce – at home and abroad – whose hands carry the weight of our shared future.
Their dedication, resilience and quiet sacrifice build our homes, power our industries, sustain our economy and drive…
— Shehbaz Sharif (@CMShehbaz) May 1, 2026
“On this occasion, I pay tribute to workers across the world, and especially to the hardworking labour force of Pakistan, for their selfless contributions and dedicated service,” he said.
He described labourers, farmers, artisans, factory workers, and professionals as the “backbone of our society”.
“Their sacrifices, hard work, and perseverance keep the wheels of life moving, from fields to factories, construction sites to workshops, at local level and right to the global stage,” he said.
The prime minister also highlighted the role of overseas Pakistanis, noting their economic contributions through remittances.
“Our labour force, both at home and abroad, reflects our national capability, industriousness, and professional excellence … Their contributions towards the country’s future remain deeply valued and etched in our collective consciousness,” he added.
Sharif said the government had launched initiatives to enhance workforce skills, including the National Skills Development Policy aimed at aligning labour with global market demands.
“Special emphasis is being placed on internationally recognised training, language proficiency, and certification to ensure that our workforce secures dignified opportunities worldwide,” he said.
He also pointed to the role of institutions such as the Employees’ Old-Age Benefits Institution and the Workers Welfare Fund in providing pensions, housing and education.
Calling for collective responsibility, Sharif urged businesses and industrialists to uphold the “dignity and protection” of workers.
“We pray that the hardworking people of Pakistan continue to illuminate the nation’s name through their dedication, skill, and integrity, and remain a proud symbol of resilience, determination, and national honour,” he said.
President Zardari, in his message, highlighted the historical struggle of workers for rights and protections.
“I join the nation in recognising the historic struggle of workers whose sacrifices for fair wages, reasonable working hours and dignified conditions laid the foundation of modern labour rights,” he said.
The President termed workers as the foundation of economy. Recalling the 1973 Constitution’s pledge to eliminate all forms of exploitation he said that a nation that protects its workers, protects its future. Labour empowerment is the pathway to national strength & prosperity. pic.twitter.com/YiYTF2T1l2
— The President of Pakistan (@PresOfPakistan) April 30, 2026
Referring to constitutional guarantees, he noted: “At the very beginning of our constitution, article 3 has been titled as ‘Elimination of exploitation,’ and it says: ‘The State shall ensure the elimination of all forms of exploitation and the gradual fulfilment of fundamental principles, from each according to his ability to each according to his work,’”.
He praised Pakistani workers as central to national development.
“Their work … is the force that drives national development. The true strength of Pakistan lies in the hands of its labourers,” he said.
Zardari reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to international labour standards, including fair wages, social protection, and the elimination of forced and child labour.
He also commended overseas Pakistanis, calling them a “pillar of national strength”.
“Ensuring safe working conditions, fair wages, and equal opportunities is both a national priority and a moral responsibility,” he said.
“I salute the workers of Pakistan. You are not the margin of our economy; you are its foundation.”
