75 Years of the Employers’ Federation of Pakistan
From Representation to Business Growth, Sustainability and Global Competitiveness
Syed Nazar Ali, Secretary General Employers’ Federation of Pakistan
A Legacy of Representation, Partnership and Progress
The completion of 75 years is not merely a remarkable milestone or a cause for celebration; it is a testament to the institutional strength, enduring commitment and sustained contributions of the Employers Federation of Pakistan (EFP) towards serving its members, promoting harmonious industrial relations, supporting sustainable business growth and advancing industrial and economic development in Pakistan.
Established in 1950, EFP is the oldest employers’ organisation in Pakistan. It was established when the country’s industrial base was still emerging, and employers lacked a dedicated platform to collectively articulate their concerns and engage with the government and other stakeholders.
Over the past seven and a half decades, EFP has evolved alongside Pakistan’s economy, establishing itself as a prominent representative voice of employers on industrial relations, labour policy and responsible business conduct.
Since its inception, EFP’s fundamental purpose has been to promote, protect and project the legitimate interests of employers while contributing to a conducive environment for industrial harmony and enterprise development.
National and International Representation
EFP holds a distinctive position in Pakistan’s institutional and industrial relations landscape. It is the only employers’ organisation in Pakistan affiliated with the International Organisation of Employers (IOE) and a constituent of the International Labour Organization (ILO), a member of the South Asian Forum of Employers (SAFE) and Confederation of Asian Pacific Employers (CAPE).
For more than seven decades, EFP has represented Pakistan’s business community at the International Labour Conference, presenting the employers’ perspective in discussions on international labour standards, conventions and policies affecting the world of work.
EFP’s representative character is its biggest strength. EFP brings together industry associations, trade bodies, chambers, enterprises and employers from diverse sectors and regions. This broad-based representation enables it to articulate collective business concerns and promote constructive engagement on issues affecting industry and enterprise development.
One of its distinctive initiatives is the establishment of the Workers Employers Bilateral Council of Pakistan (WEBCOP) to promote bilateral social dialogue, strengthen industrial relations and facilitate the resolution of workplace issues through cooperation.
Seven and a Half Decades of Contributions to Industry and Enterprise Development
Over seven and a half decades, EFP has consistently supported member organisations and has made significant contributions towards promoting enterprise development, strengthening industrial relations and advancing and protecting the interests of the business community in Pakistan.
Recognising that effective representation must be complemented by practical support, EFP has developed a range of services and initiatives, including awareness-raising sessions, training programmes, capacity-building activities, policy advocacy, legal assistance and industrial relations advisory services.
It has actively engaged with government institutions, employers and workers’ representatives through bipartite and tripartite social dialogue, contributing to policy consultations and promoting occupational safety and health, skills development, gender equality and the fundamental principles and rights at work.
Its initiatives also include recognition and celebration of best practices demonstrated by the companies in the areas of Occupational Safety and Health, Gender Equality and women empowerment, and Skills Development. Disability inclusion and responsible business practices. Through its recognition and awards program, EFP encourages companies that have been demonstrating exemplary practices to further their efforts in promoting responsible business practices while inspiring other businesses to adopt similar approaches business practices and build capacity.
Recognising the rapidly changing business environment, EFP expanded and intensified its efforts to promote Business and Human Rights (BHR), Responsible Business Conduct and Human Rights Due Diligence, Principles of a Just Transition, Climate Resilience, Environmental Sustainability and Green Skills Development.
Redefining EFP’s Scope and Role
As EFP celebrates its Platinum Jubilee, this historic milestone provides an opportunity to reflect on its achievements and reaffirm its commitment to the evolving needs and expectations of the business community.
It is an appropriate time for EFP to redefine and reposition its mandate in line with changing member requirements, the rapidly evolving global business environment and emerging opportunities for business growth and development.
The business landscape is undergoing profound transformation, driven by technological advancements, digitalisation, changing international trade dynamics, sustainability imperatives and growing expectations for responsible business conduct.
In this evolving environment, the future of EFP will depend on its ability to build upon its institutional strengths while responding proactively to the changing needs of the business community.
Its traditional role in employer representation, policy advocacy and industrial relations will remain fundamental. However, the next decade calls for a broader approach that places greater emphasis on business development, enterprise sustainability, innovation, competitiveness and international engagement.
EFP should aspire to become not only the collective voice of Pakistani employers but also their trusted partner in navigating regulatory and market challenges, strengthening enterprise capabilities and identifying opportunities for sustainable growth.
The objective is to make EFP not only the collective voice of employers but also a trusted partner that helps its members address emerging challenges, identify business opportunities and strengthen their long-term sustainability and competitiveness
The 75-year journey of EFP is a legacy of representation, dialogue and service. Its next chapter must build on that legacy by creating greater value for its members, supporting responsible business growth and helping Pakistani enterprises compete and thrive in an increasingly interconnected global economy.
To respond effectively to the changing business environment and emerging needs of its members, EFP’s agenda for the next decade should focus on the following strategic priorities.
- Policy Advocacy and Employer Representation
Continue to serve as a strong and credible collective voice of employers while strengthening evidence-based policy advocacy and bipartite and tripartite social dialogue.
It should ensure that the realities and concerns of businesses are reflected in policies and legislation relating to labour, employment, economic development, environmental sustainability and investment.
- Business Development and Market Access
Expand its role in facilitating business development and provide members with practical support for promoting opportunities. This includes identifying emerging markets, facilitating business-to-business linkages, promoting partnerships and connecting members with relevant business networks and institutions.
- Sustainability and Responsible Business Conduct
Provide guidance and strengthen support to enterprises in meeting increasing regulatory and compliance requirements related to environmental, social and governance (ESG), Business and Human Rights due diligence. Climate change and responsible supply chain management.
- Future Skills, Technology and Innovation
Help enterprises in preparing for promoting technology adoption, supporting digital transformation and encouraging innovation.
Key priorities should include identifying future skills requirements, strengthening industry-led skills development, promoting lifelong learning and facilitating recognition of prior learning.
- International Partnerships and Global Engagement
Should strengthen its international engagement and develop strategic partnerships with employers’ organisations, business networks, international institutions, investors and market development organisations.
These partnerships can facilitate trade, investment, technology transfer, knowledge exchange and business-to-business cooperation.
- Practical Enterprise Support and Member Services
EFP should strengthen its practical support services, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that often lack access to specialised expertise and resources.
This should include expanding the scope and effectiveness of its Legal Help Desk, providing compliance guidance, strengthening human resource and industrial relations advisory services, and developing practical tools to address regulatory and operational challenges.
A more service-oriented approach will enable EFP to respond effectively to the day-to-day needs of its members and create greater value for the business community.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026