ISLAMABAD
Like other parts of the globe, International Labour Day was observed in all cities of Pakistan on Thursday with a renewed pledge to protect rights of workers.
The day is celebrated all across the world every year on May 1 which has been declared as the traditional spring holiday in Europe and Pakistan.
All government and private organisations, educational institutions and markets remained closed to observe the Labour Day. Political parties and labour organisations organised programmes to highlight significance of the day and rights of the workers.
Seminars and rallies were held in different cities to pay tribute to those who laid down their lives in Chicago in 1886 for the rights of the labourers. May Day is celebrated to commemorate the event of Haymarket Massacre as well as to promote the social and economic achievements of the working class.
Pakistan’s first labour policy was devised in 1972, in which May 1 was declared as an official holiday. This policy also formulated the creation of the Social Security Network, Old Age Benefit Schemes and Workers Welfare Fund. Pakistan’s constitution also contains various provisions and articles about labour rights.
May 1 is a national holiday in more than 80 countries. It is also celebrated unofficially in many other countries.
