In observance of International Labour Day 2025, the National Industrial Relations Commission (NIRC), in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), is scheduled to host a significant international conference on May 1 (tomorrow) in Islamabad.
The event, taking place at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA), carries the theme “Harmony with Change,” with the objective of fostering dialogue and consultation on workers’ rights, industrial harmony, and the alignment of legislation with international standards in Pakistan.
This will mark the first major national conference convened by the NIRC since 1969. The distinguished gathering will be attended by federal ministers, esteemed judges from the Supreme Court and High Courts, labour union leaders, industrialists, legal professionals, and senior representatives from the ILO.
The conference will be inaugurated and presided over by the Chairman of the NIRC, Justice (retd) Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui. Following his keynote address, the renowned jurist Barrister Zafarullah Khan will speak on “Rights and Responsibilities of Employers and Workers in Islam.”
Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhail of the Supreme Court will deliver a special address focusing on “The Role of the Pakistani Judiciary in Protecting Labour Rights.”
Several technical sessions are also planned during the conference. The initial session, titled “Industrial Harmony and Social Dialogue,” will be chaired by former Supreme Court Judge Justice (R) Khalilur Rehman Ramday.
The panelists for this session will include Muhammad Asim Kichhi, Managing Director of the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP); Tahir Yaqub Bhatti, President of Zarai Taraqiati Bank; Shoaib Adil, Additional Secretary of Pakistan Railways; Faisal Nisar Chaudhry, Managing Director of Utility Stores Corporation; Mir Ibrahim Rahman, CEO of Geo TV; and Siraj Hussain, Director at Unilever Pakistan.
Leaders from labour unions will also participate in the panel discussion. The session will be moderated by Salman Mansoor Siddiqui, General Secretary of the Supreme Court Bar Association.
The second session, chaired by the Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, Chaudhry Salik Hussain, will concentrate on “Grievance Redressal Under the Industrial Relations Act 2012” and “Pakistan’s Commitment to ILO Conventions.”
Advocate Imran Shafiq will serve as a mediator, while labour expert Iftikhar Ahmed and Justice Jawad Hassan of the Lahore High Court will present their perspectives.
In the concluding session, the Federal Minister for Law and Justice, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, will deliver a speech on “Efforts to Align Existing Laws in Pakistan with International Labour Standards.”
The ILO Pakistan Country Director, Geir Tonstol, will deliver a keynote address on “The Future of Work.” The conference will culminate with the presentation of honorary shields to distinguished guests, followed by a luncheon for all attendees.
Describing the event as a significant milestone for labour rights and industrial harmony, Siddiqui stated: “WE 2025 is not merely a slogan; it is a vision grounded in dialogue, respect, and partnership towards a better future.”
