Aligning domestic workers with global standards: PM seeks greater support from ILO

ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday called for greater support from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to align Pakistan’s skilled workforce with global labour-market standards, including through international certification and improved vocational training.

Talking to the visiting ILO Director General Gilbert F Houngbo, the prime minister said Pakistan valued its “positive partnership” with the organisation, particularly in developing a skilled workforce and creating productive and dignified employment opportunities for young people.

He stressed the need for further ILO facilitation to ensure that Pakistani workers received internationally recognised certification and vocational training in line with the requirements of the global labour market.

READ ALSO: ILO-funded SME roadmap: Ministry set to provide coordinated framework

The prime minister said the government was taking effective measures for the welfare, protection and professional development of the country’s workforce in line with international agreements.

He also highlighted the government’s efforts to promote industrial development, improve productivity and enhance the competitiveness of Pakistan’s labour market.

In this regard, he said the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (Smeda) had been revitalised.

He said stronger cooperation and constructive engagement with the ILO could help make Smeda’s initiatives more effective.

Houngbo thanked the prime minister for the meeting and expressed the ILO’s desire to advance joint efforts with Pakistan for the protection, professional development and prosperity of its workforce.

He appreciated the positive coordination between the ILO and the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development and reaffirmed the organisation’s continued cooperation with the government, employers and workers in Pakistan.

The ILO chief also expressed his commitment to continuing joint efforts for the comprehensive development of the workforce and industrial progress.

Hitomi Nakagome, senior ILO adviser, and ILO Country Office Director in Pakistan Geir Thomas Tonsil were also present at the meeting.

Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Acting Foreign Secretary Nabeel Munir, Employers’ Federation of Pakistan President Majid Aziz, ILO Governing Body Deputy Member (Workers) Mohammad Saad and senior government officials also attended the meeting.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026