PO: Labour Day is often reduced to symbolism. In today’s context, what does it really represent?

A: Labour Day is, above all, a reminder that the rights workers enjoy today were not granted — they were won. Whether it is the eight-hour workday, minimum wages, maternity protection or workplace safety, these are the outcomes of collective struggle. In that sense, the day is not just commemorative; it is a call to action. It asks governments, employers and societies to renew their commitment to decent work, social justice and dignity for workers. Those principles remain just as relevant today as they were over a century ago.

PO: If you compare Pakistan in 2025 and today in 2026, how would you describe the labour landscape?

A: The reality is mixed. There are clear signs of progress, particularly at the policy level. For instance, the recent adoption of a code of practice on occupational safety and health in the construction sector is an important step in a high-risk industry. However, progress on paper does not always translate into progress on the ground. Incidents like building collapses and workplace accidents remind us that enforcement remains weak. So the picture is one of “pockets of progress” alongside persistent structural challenges.

PO: How do you justify “progress” when serious incidents continue to occur?

A: It comes down to three interconnected issues: informality, enforcement capacity, and compliance culture. A very large share of Pakistan’s workforce, roughly three-quarters tends tooperate in the informal economy. These workers are often unregistered, unprotected, and outside the reach of labour laws.

Even within the formal sector, enforcement is limited. Labour inspection systems are under-resourced; in some areas,........

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