Newswire Pakistan

Rawalpindi, Allama Agha Syed Hussain Maqdisi, the head of Tehreek-e-Nifaz-e-Fiqah Jafaria, emphasized the need for Pakistan to adopt the life and teachings of Imam Jafar Sadiq to overcome current political and social issues, including the systemic oppression that affects laborers and marginalized communities.

According to Tehreek Nafaze Fiqhe Jafariya, Maqdisi highlighted during a speech at the Ushra Sadiq-e-Ali Muhammad (PBUH) Committee that following the principles of Imam Jafar Sadiq is essential not only for moral and ethical rejuvenation but also for resisting oppressive forces that plague various sectors of Pakistani society. He criticized the national leaders for their indifference towards the fundamental problems of Islam and Pakistan, accusing them of prioritizing personal gain over national and religious interests.

Maqdisi also pointed out the importance of implementing the National Action Plan rigorously without concessions to ensure peace and counter terrorism effectively. He lamented the role of banned organizations and their impact on increasing terrorism due to inadequate governmental action.

The cleric drew parallels with historical struggles against oppressive rulers, citing Imam Jafar Sadiq’s efforts to enlighten humanity during a time when Europe was engulfed in darkness and the Islamic world was fraught with war and conflict. He stressed that the teachings of Imam Jafar Sadiq brought about a significant positive change by fostering knowledge and wisdom, which continues to benefit humanity.

Maqdisi called on Pakistani politicians and policymakers to draw lessons from Imam Jafar Sadiq’s life, urging them to pursue policies that foster national development and the advancement of knowledge. He expressed conviction that true adherence to these principles could prevent external powers from inhibiting the progress of the people of Islam and Pakistan.

Karachi, At a Labor Day celebration organized by the People’s Labor Bureau at the Karachi Arts Council, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Chairman of the Pakistan People’s Party (PPP), spoke strongly in favor of using public-private partnerships (PPPs) to manage key national institutions like Pakistan Airlines and Pakistan Steel Mills, rather than fully privatizing them. He also urged the federal government to tackle inflation and improve workers’ salaries in the upcoming budget.

According to Pakistan Peoples Party, Chairman Bhutto Zardari praised the contributions of workers to both the global and Pakistani economies, asserting the PPP’s commitment to worker rights. He recalled the legacy of PPP leaders Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, who established the right for workers to form unions and created institutions for their welfare, and Benazir Bhutto, who acted to free unjustly imprisoned worker representatives immediately upon taking office.

The Chairman highlighted the progress made under previous PPP administrations, including the removal of anti-labor clauses from the constitution and notable increases in worker salaries and pensions. He noted that these efforts were unmatched except by the administration of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

Bilawal Bhutto emphasized the achievements of the Sindh Assembly in passing worker-friendly legislation and mentioned the Benazir Mazdoor Card initiative. He pointed out that its full implementation depends on the federal government’s adherence to the 18th Amendment, which includes the devolution of certain powers to the provinces.

Further emphasizing the benefits of PPP models, Chairman Bhutto Zardari highlighted the success of Sindh’s Thar Coal Project, managed through a public-private partnership, as a model for other provinces and for managing national assets like Pakistan Steel Mills. He argued for more cooperative approaches between federal and provincial governments, especially in decisions about state assets such as the lands of Pakistan Steel Mills, which he claimed are owned by the Sindh government.

In closing, the Chairman announced the appointment of former Senate Chairman Mian Raza Rabbani to lead the People’s Labor Bureau, signaling an intensification of the PPP’s labor advocacy efforts nationwide.

Karachi, On International Labor Day, Abdul Hakim Quaid, Vice Chairman of the Pasban Democratic Party (PDP), addressed a protest in North Karachi where he advocated for significant reforms to improve conditions for laborers, including aligning their wages with the value of gold and enhancing the enforcement of labor laws.

According to Pasban Democratic Party, Quaid emphasized the need for the common laborer’s salary to be equivalent to one tola of gold to ensure fair compensation. He also called for the abolishment of elite privileges such as free electricity, gas, and petrol to reduce the cost of basic necessities for the general public.

The event highlighted the challenges faced by workers in unionizing within industrial and educational sectors. Quaid criticized the superficial activities on May Day, such as photo sessions and media appearances, calling instead for substantive legislative action in the assembly to remove barriers to unionization and promote real economic development.

Quaid stressed the importance of a healthy relationship between employers and employees, stating that this is crucial not only for business development but also for the broader economic growth of the country. His speech underscored the teachings of their religion, which advocates paying workers before their sweat dries, questioning why the working class in Pakistan continues to struggle.

The demonstration was attended by other notable figures from the PDP and the community, including Khalid Durrani, Zahid Jameel, Rizwanul Haq, Syed Ahsan, Naveed, and Muhammad Hamid Ansari, who supported these calls for change.

Islamabad, The International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) marked Labour Day with a panel discussion on the crucial topics of child labor and the fundamental right to education. Organized by the Department of Teacher Education in collaboration with the Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC), the event drew experts to debate and propose solutions for these pressing issues.

According to International Islamic University Islamabad, the panel discussion titled “Empowering Futures: Right to Education vs. Child Labour,” featured a range of specialists including Dr. Tabassum Naz, Director of Schools at the Federal Directorate of Education, and Ms. Nazneen Zehra, Deputy Director (Planning) at Basic Education Community Schools. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Fouzia Ajmal and aimed to highlight the transformative power of education and address the socio-economic factors that contribute to child labor.

Panelists emphasized the essential role of education in empowering individuals and shaping a prosperous society. They discussed the importance of holistic approaches to tackle poverty and inequality, which often drive children into labor. The event underscored the critical role of teachers in eradicating child labor by fostering inclusive and supportive educational environments.

The main outcomes of the discussion stressed community involvement and partnerships as key strategies in identifying and supporting at-risk children, ensuring they have access to educational opportunities.

The session concluded with the participants expressing a renewed commitment to combat the intertwined challenges of child labor and educational disparity, advocating for collaborative efforts to ensure that every child can access education. The event was held at the Fatima tuz Zahra block on the Female Campus of IIUI, attended by students and faculty members from the department.