Employers Federation of Pakistan (EFP), in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and under the BRIDGE Project funded by the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL), hosted a National Conference aimed at eliminating forced labor. The conference, held to promote best practices and advocate for Protocol 29, highlighted critical roles in supply chains and strategies to prevent forced labor in Pakistan.
Opening the conference, Malik Tahir Javed, President of the EFP, underscored the importance of adhering to labor standards, stressing that ethical business practices are essential not only for maintaining international trade relationships but also for enhancing Pakistan’s global reputation. Shahid Abdul Salam Thahim, the Provincial Minister for Labor, discussed the government’s ongoing efforts to eradicate forced labor across both formal and informal sectors.
He commended the ILO for its support and praised EFP’s contributions, noting the significant role of expert recommendations in addressing forced labor issues. Guillermo Mont, Officer-in-Charge of the ILO Country Office, expressed gratitude to the Government of Pakistan for its cooperation and reaffirmed the ILO’s commitment to supporting Pakistan’s efforts to combat forced labor. He extended well-wishes to EFP for its continued work in this critical area. Raja TanveerAzmi, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis & Human Resource Development, reiterated the government’s commitment, announcing plans for Pakistan to ratify Protocol 29.
He highlighted recent improvements in working conditions, benefiting low-income workers and ensuring their rights are upheld both inside and outside the workplace. Oluremi Doherty, Chief Technical Advisor for the BRIDGE Project, provided a global perspective on forced labor and discussed the ILO’s initiatives, including standard-setting efforts and the BRIDGE Project’s impact. Dr. Faisal Iqbal, National Coordinator of the ILO, outlined the BRIDGE Project’s achievements and the positive effects on workers, particularly in sectors such as mining, agriculture, and brick kilns.
The conference also featured insights from industrialists and business leaders from companies like Artistic Milliners and Nestle Pakistan, who shared challenges and recommendations for eliminating forced labor across various sectors. The event concluded with a Q&A session, where experts addressed audience questions and discussed strategies for continued progress.
