'Foundation of economy': President Zardari, PM Shehbaz pay tribute to workers

President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif termed the labour force of Pakistan the “backbone” of society.

On International Labour Day, the president and the PM issued separate messages to mark the occasion.

The president termed workers as the “foundation of the economy”, adding that labour empowerment was the pathway to national strength and prosperity.

President Zardari further said that Pakistan remained committed to upholding international labour standards and promoting fundamental rights at work, “including fair wages, social protection, the elimination of forced and child labour and non-discrimination”.

He reaffirmed the government’s dedication to the International Labour Organisation’s conventions and achieving Sustainable Development Goals related to work and social protection.

“I salute the workers of Pakistan,” he concluded.

“You are not the margin of our economy; you are its foundation.”

Meanwhile, PM Shehbaz said that he joined 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 Pakistan forward - from sunrise, beneath the scorching midday sun, and through the long hours when the nation sleeps,” he said on social media X.

I assure you that our Government stands firm in defending the dignity of every Pakistani worker - by creating more and better jobs, strengthening worker protections, and expanding pathways to opportunity.

With you at the heart of our national agenda, we will build a Pakistan that is stronger.”