Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari has underscored the importance of a practical and results-oriented partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO), highlighting the need for stronger technical support and resources for implementation at the national level. This was discussed during a meeting with the ILO's Director-General, Mr. Gilbert F. Houngbo, at Aiwan-e-Sadr.
According to Pakistan Peoples Party, President Zardari emphasized the significance of the ILO's tripartite system and social dialogue, advocating for robust implementation of the Decent Work Country Programme 2023-27, focusing on employment, social protection, labour standards, and workplace safety. He also called for support in developing a comprehensive Pakistan Fair and Safe Labour Migration Framework and proposed a collaborative initiative, "From Skills to Global Jobs," aimed at aligning technical and vocational training with international labour needs.
President Zardari urged the ILO to facilitate the establishment of labour-migration corridors with regions such as the Gulf, Europe, and East Asia. He also sought assistance in enhancing Pakistan's labour-market information system, building on the country's ratification of ILO Convention No. 160 on Labour Statistics.
The meeting acknowledged the ILO's efforts under Mr. Houngbo's leadership, including initiatives such as the Global Coalition for Social Justice and the adoption of Convention No. 193 on Decent Work in the Platform Economy. The President highlighted Pakistan's ratification of key ILO instruments, inviting the ILO to provide support in their effective implementation.
President Zardari also conveyed Pakistan's progress in finalizing a National Occupational Safety and Health Policy with ILO assistance. He welcomed the ILO's reform efforts aimed at enhancing its effectiveness, stressing the importance of staff fairness and geographical balance.
Mr. Houngbo reaffirmed the ILO's commitment to collaborating with Pakistan on issues related to decent work, social justice, labour migration, skills development, and occupational safety and health. The meeting included attendance from both ILO and Pakistani officials.