The closing ceremony of the 3rd Pakistan Labour Academy (PLA-3) was held in Karachi, bringing together key stakeholders, policymakers and labour rights advocates, union leaders and government officials.
The event was jointly organized by the Friedrich Ebert Stiftung (FES) Pakistan, Sindh Human Rights Commission (SHRC), and the National Institute of Labour Administration and Training (NILAT).
According to press release issued here by SHRC, over 30 participants from across Pakistan participated in this one-week residential course held from February 16 to February 21.
Dr. Rudiger Lotz, German Consul General in Karachi, graced the event as the chief guest. He emphasized that labour rights are fundamental human rights and stressed the need for young labour unions to be well-versed in both employee and employer rights.
He highlighted Germany’s extensive experience with labour unions and their role in strengthening the economy, noting that Germany heavily relies on supply chain due diligence law which makes Pakistan to comply with the labour and human rights in industrial sector.
Dr. Lotz also pointed out that 85% of Pakistan’s exports to Germany come from the textile sector. He discussed the importance of women’s participation in the workforce, climate change, and improving the work environment through training and workshops.
SHRC Chairperson Iqbal Detho commended FES for its support in empowering workers and urged the leadership of Sindh Labour Department to demonstrate a similar commitment.
He congratulated the participants on successfully completing the course and advocated for a dedicated budget for NILAT’s training programs.
He also proposed the establishment of a Sindh Labour Academy to provide specialized education for labour activists and enhance NILAT’s role in collaboration with the Labour and Human Resources Department.
He further urged the implementation of Sindh’s minimum wage of Rs 37,000 per month and called for a structured dispute resolution system within the labour department.
