Karachi: Thousands gathered in Karachi for a May Day rally, declaring capitalism as the root cause of war, poverty, and environmental destruction. Organized by the National Trade Union Federation Pakistan (NTUF) and Home Based Women Workers Federation (HBWWF), the event highlighted the continued struggle against capitalist oppression since the historic May Day protests 140 years ago.
According to Home-Based Women Workers Federation, the rally was led by Comrade Gul Rehman and Comrade Zehra Khan, with participants from various sectors including industrial workers, journalists, and political activists. Protesters marched with red flags and portraits of revolutionary leaders, emphasizing a global struggle against imperialism, religious extremism, and ecological destruction.
Labor leaders, including Comrade Nasir Mansoor, criticized global military expenditures and highlighted the impact of imperialist policies on nations like Palestine, Yemen, and Iran. Zehra Khan addressed climate change's disproportionate effects on the working class, warning of potential mass unemployment due to environmental degradation.
Speakers also criticized Pakistan's labor conditions, highlighting issues such as inadequate labor rights, exploitation, and rising poverty. The rally concluded with demands for labor reforms, environmental accountability, and an end to international aggression and local extremism.