EFP Platinum Jubilee marked: Governor calls for stronger govt-business-labour partnership

KARACHI: Sindh Governor Syed Muhammad Nihal Hashmi has called for stronger cooperation among the government, business community and workers to bolster Pakistan’s economy, protect labour rights and promote sustainable industrial growth.

He was speaking at a ceremony at Governor House marking the 75th anniversary and Platinum Jubilee of the Employers’ Federation of Pakistan (EFP).

Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Sindh Minister for Labour, Human Resources and Social Protection Saeed Ghani, International Labour Organisation (ILO) Director-General Gilbert F Houngbo, the Consul General of South Korea, deputy consuls general of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Indonesia, Malaysia and Bangladesh, diplomats and representatives of the business community attended the ceremony.

Congratulating the EFP leadership and business community on completing 75 years, Governor Hashmi described the federation’s journey as a record of “trust, continuity, struggle, experience and national service.”

He said the EFP had played an important role in bridging the government and private sector and strengthening industrial relations in the country.

“Workers play a fundamental role in the national economy and industrial development, and no industry can progress without their services,” he said, stressing that protection of workers’ rights and promotion of business activity were closely linked.

Hashmi said the government, employers and workers must work together to strengthen the national economy, adding that the government was pursuing both worker-friendly and business-friendly policies.

He said the government, under Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif leadership, was taking measures for workers’ welfare. The participation of Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain, he added, reflected a shared commitment to protecting workers’ rights.

The governor urged all stakeholders to pursue policies that would make the economy more competitive and resilient while creating greater opportunities and ensuring protection for the workforce.

Speaking on the occasion, EFP President Majyd Aziz highlighted the federation’s contribution to the development of industry and trade, and its efforts to safeguard the interests of workers and their families.

He said the EFP represented more than 900 member companies and associations of the country and, through its specialised Economic Council, developed macroeconomic policy frameworks, including the Pakistan National Business Agenda and Economic Vision.

The federation also submitted trade recommendations and federal budget proposals to ministries at the federal and provincial levels aimed at improving market competitiveness, he said.

Aziz said the EFP worked to protect and promote business interests, particularly those of local manufacturing and trade sectors, while advocating policies conducive to industrial expansion and investment.

He said the EFP was the only trade body in Pakistan affiliated with the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council and was also a member of the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), through which it participated in international dialogue on trade, labour and export-led industrial growth.

The EFP also served as a key link between employers, the government and the ILO, particularly on labour legislation, workplace audits and compliance with international labour and trade standards, he added.

Aziz expressed appreciation for the cooperation extended by the federal and provincial governments, with particular acknowledgment of the support provided by Sindh Labour Minister Saeed Ghani.

He called for the passage of labour legislation by Parliament in line with ILO conventions.

On this occasion, he announced the EFP’s unconditional support for ILO Director-General Gilbert F Houngbo for another five-year term.

Aziz described Houngbo as a highly qualified economic and financial expert who had also served as prime minister of Togo.

Sonya Mohamd M Janahi, Vice President for Employers Asia Group at the IOE, briefed participants on the organisation’s work, achievements and future initiatives, particularly efforts to improve labour legislation and social standards.

She appreciated the EFP’s contribution to social development and economic growth and its efforts to promote technological advancement in industry.

Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain, ILO Director-General Gilbert F Houngbo and other speakers also stressed the need for closer cooperation among governments, employers and workers to promote decent employment, sound industrial relations and sustainable economic development.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of Game Changer Icons of Pakistan Awards to organisations in recognition of their outstanding performance.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026