75 years of leadership, service, commitment: Message from Chaudhary Saad Muhammad, General Secretary PUWF Worker Deputy Member, ILO Governing Body

Seventy-Five Years of Partnership — A Shared Responsibility for the Future

Pakistan’s greatest strength lies in its people: the workers whose skills and dedication sustain production, and the enterprises whose investment and initiative create employment. Our country moves forward when both have confidence in their future, respect for each other’s contribution, and a meaningful voice in shaping the world of work.

It is in this spirit that I extend my warm congratulations to the Employers’ Federation of Pakistan (EFP) on its Platinum Jubilee—75 years of service to the employers’ community and engagement in Pakistan’s industrial relations and tripartite institutions.

For the Pakistan United Workers Federation (PUWF), our relationship with EFP is an important partnership built on dialogue, mutual respect and the willingness to work together. We bring distinct perspectives and responsibilities to the table. The strength of our relationship lies in our ability to discuss differences frankly, seek common ground and pursue practical solutions that serve workers, enterprises and the country.

A strong economy needs strong enterprises and strong workers’ organisations, engaging as respected partners. Meaningful social dialogue gives that partnership substance. It enables us to address difficult questions, build trust and ensure that economic progress translates into better lives.

We share a vital national interest in expanding Pakistan’s industrial base, strengthening local industries and creating productive, decent employment for our growing population. Lasting progress requires investment in skills, safe workplaces, fair wages, fundamental rights at work and effective social protection. These commitments strengthen the foundations of productive enterprises, stable industrial relations and a competitive economy.

As a workers’ representative on the ILO Governing Body, I attach particular importance to the responsibility we share in translating tripartite commitments into improvements that workers and employers can experience in their daily lives. The value of our cooperation is ultimately measured in safer workplaces, stronger businesses, greater opportunity and the dignity afforded to every worker.

This anniversary comes at a time when technological change, climate pressures and changing patterns of employment are reshaping our economies. Together, we must help ensure that women enjoy equal opportunities, young people find pathways to decent work, and workers in informal and emerging sectors have a voice in decisions affecting their livelihoods. A fair transition will require sustained dialogue and a willingness to turn shared aspirations into action.

On behalf of PUWF, I reaffirm our commitment to deepening our constructive bilateral relationship with EFP. Let us make this milestone an occasion to renew our ambition for Pakistan: an industrially stronger country where enterprises thrive, workers share in prosperity, and social justice provides a firm foundation for growth.

Congratulations to EFP on its Platinum Jubilee. May the years ahead be distinguished by the opportunities we create, the trust we strengthen and the progress we achieve together.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026