The Employers Federation of Pakistan (EFP) hosted the 10th Employer of the Year Award Ceremony in Karachi, celebrating companies committed to responsible business practices. The event was held in collaboration with the International Labor Organization (ILO) and featured a National Conference on Responsible Businesses. In his keynote address, EFP President Malik Tahir Javaid emphasized the crucial role of ethical business practices in promoting decent work, enterprise sustainability, and social justice.
He highlighted EFP’s efforts to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the importance of adhering to labor legislation and international standards to remain competitive globally. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Labor Minister Shahid Abdul Salam Thahim, who praised the EFP and ILO’s collaboration. He acknowledged the positive impact of responsible business practices on economic conditions and workforce dedication. In a video message, Philippe Oliver Gross, the EU’s Charge D’Affaires, underscored the EU’s commitment to fair trade and ethical business standards. He stressed the importance of accountability and creating a sustainable economy that benefits all stakeholders.
Former EFP President Majyd Aziz highlighted the significance of prioritizing social welfare alongside profits. He praised member organizations for supporting EFP’s initiatives to foster a culture of compliance and ethical practices. Yulia Bazhenova, Head of the TextILES Project at GIZ, introduced the Responsible Business Helpdesk, a resource designed to assist businesses in adopting responsible practices and meeting compliance requirements.
A panel discussion featured industry experts, including Saghir Bukhari from ILO Pakistan, Kiran Zubair from the Sindh Human Rights Department, Ch. Saad Muhammad from the Pakistan Workers Federation, and Mustafa Ahmad from Artistic Milliners.
They discussed the challenges and opportunities of sustainable development and responsible business practices. Geir Tonstol, Country Director of ILO Pakistan, commended the EFP’s efforts in organizing the awards and promoting decent work. He emphasized the importance of upholding Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRWs) and congratulated the awardees for their exemplary efforts. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of the 10th EOY Awards.
Feroze1888 Mills Ltd and K-Electric Limited were honored as CEOs of the Year. Position Holder Awards were given to Feroze1888 Mills Ltd, Lotte Chemical Pakistan Limited, K-Electric Limited, Pak-Qatar Asset Management Company Limited, Pakistan Mobile Communications Limited, Harbin Electric International Company Limited, Pak Arab Refinery Limited, Masood Textile Mills Ltd., Sino Sindh Resources Private Limited, and Nishat Mills Limited (Apparel Division).
Additionally, 36 companies received Recognition Awards for their commitment to responsible practices, and 7 companies received Participation Awards for promoting best business practices.
