Global Buyers Are Increasing Orders From Pakistan: The Better Work Program Success Story | POP # 33
Disclaimer:
This video is intended solely for educational purposes. The opinions shared by the guests are their personal views. We do not intend to defame or harm any person, brand, product, country, or profession mentioned in the video. Our goal is to provide information to help the audience make informed choices.
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Timestamps:
1:02 – What is Better Work?
1:59 – Where does the government come in?
3:07 – How are global buyers viewing Pakistan’s garment industry?
5:02 – Biggest challenges Pakistan is facing today
6:28 – Are programs like Better Work actually effective?
8:20 – Have you spoken to workers under the BW program?
8:31 – What are workers saying?
10:15 – Biggest labour issues in Pakistan
12:56 – How is the government ensuring implementation of labour laws?
14:48 – Are you working with international partners like ILO?
16:30 – Government incentives for compliance
17:12 – How buyers view Pakistan internationally
19:49 – The next few years for Pakistan in labour-focused markets
21:30 – International perspective on Pakistan’s labour market
23:05 – Compliance matrix from buyers’ perspective
23:15 – Reflections today
25:15 – The future outlook for Pakistan
27:36 – How factories have changed since BW implementation
30:00 – Conversations with the 120 factories under BW
30:55 – Why should factories sign up for Better Work?
31:30 – Government’s view on BW
32:56 – Buyer conversations and expectations
34:18 – Comparative data from other countries
About the Episode
In this in-depth episode of the Pakistan Observer Podcast, we explore the impact of the Better Work Programme in Pakistan and how it is reshaping the country’s garment and textile sector. From worker perspectives to global buyer expectations, this conversation examines compliance, competitiveness, labour rights, and Pakistan’s positioning in international markets.
We spoke to key stakeholders including representatives from the International Labour Organization (ILO), government officials, worker unions, global brands, and factory leadership — offering a 360-degree perspective on how Better Work is influencing transparency, accountability, and export growth.
Featured Guests
• Mr. Geir T. Tonstol – Country Director, ILO Pakistan
• Mr. Chaudhry Saad Mohammad – Pakistan United Workers Federation (PUWF)
• Ms. Syedah Kulsoom Hai – Department of Labour, Punjab
• Dr. Nabeel Amin – Project Director, Ministry of Commerce
• Mr. Ivo Spauwen – Programme Manager, ILO Better Work
• Mr. Michael Bride – Senior Vice President, Corporate Responsibility, PVH
• Mr. Ehtisham Azhar – Lucky Knits Factory
• Mr. Haroon Shamsi – Towel Manufacturers Association of Pakistan
About the Host – Abdullah Gauhar Malik
Abdullah Gauhar Malik is the Digital Head at Pakistan Observer, hosting deep-dive conversations with policymakers, industry leaders, and development experts through the Pakistan Observer Podcast.
Join the Conversation
Do you believe programmes like Better Work can transform Pakistan’s export potential and labour standards? Share your thoughts in the comments — we’d love to hear from you.
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#PakistanObserverPodcast #BetterWork #ILO #Pakistan #TextileIndustry #Garments #LabourRights #Exports #Compliance #GlobalBuyers #AbdullahGauharMalik
