ISLAMABAD - The International Labour Organization (ILO) has praised Pakistan's willingness to engage in discussions and improve labour conditions in the country.
Geir T. Tonstol - Country Director of ILO - expressed his appreciation for Pakistan's cooperation during an interaction with journalists in Islamabad.
Pakistan's textile industry, a significant contributor to the country's exports, relies heavily on international trade. Tonstol emphasized that no country would engage in trade with Pakistan if forced labour, child labour, or bonded labour were present in the supply chain.
He highlighted Pakistan's privileged status as one of the few countries benefiting from the GSP+ preferential trade agreement with the EU, which requires adherence to 27 labour, human rights, and environmental standards.
The ILO country head shared his experiences interacting with various stakeholders, including railway unionists and mine workers and emphasised the organization's role in promoting decent working conditions, social justice, and fair recruitment.
He expressed concern over the estimated 3.4 million individuals trapped in bonded labour, urging improved reporting to address labour issues and promote positive change.
Tonstol outlined ILO's four goals in Pakistan: employment for youth, social protection, international labour standards, and occupational safety and health.
He encouraged trade unions, acknowledging partners like the Pakistan Workers' Federation and the Employers Federation of Pakistan. The ILO is working with provincial governments to consolidate labour laws, acknowledging the challenges and opportunities presented by the 18th Amendment.
