Geneva: Pakistan has reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing labour rights, including occupational safety, gender equality, and social dialogue, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 8 and national employment strategies. This commitment was expressed by Secretary Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Nadeem Aslam Chaudhary at a meeting with the Better Work programme team led by Director ILO Better Work Country Program Ms. Roopa Nair on the sidelines of the 113th International Labour Conference.

According to Radio Pakistan, Nadeem Aslam Chaudhary underscored Pakistan’s appreciation for its ongoing collaboration with the ILO and the International Finance Corporation through the Better Work Programme. He welcomed the initiative’s expansion in support of improved labour standards in the garment and textile sectors. He stated that the programme aligns with Pakistan’s national priorities, particularly Labour Inspection Reforms, the Decent Work Country Programme, and commitments under international labour conventions.

Nadeem Aslam Chaudhary also acknowledged the positive early impact of the Better Work pilot in Karachi and Lahore, which has raised awareness among factories and improved dialogue on compliance and productivity. Besides, the Secretary emphasized Pakistan’s focus on educating its youth in foreign traditions, culture, and languages. He noted that skilled and professional training, aligned with international standards, is being imparted to enable young Pakistanis to play a constructive role abroad.

Nadeem Aslam Chaudhary expressed Pakistan’s keen interest in launching the second phase of the Better Work Country Programme in collaboration with the ILO. The meeting was attended by Deputy Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations in Geneva, Zaman Mehdi, Secretary Workers Welfare Fund Zulfiqar Ahmed, Joint Secretary for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Suleman Ghani, and representatives of employers.