Karachi: Thousands of workers gathered in Karachi to mark International Workers’ Day, advocating for the dismantling of capitalist structures and an end to anti-labor policies. The rally, organized by the National Trade Union Federation Pakistan (NTUF) and the Home-Based Women Workers Federation (HBWWF), highlighted the global and local struggles faced by workers.
The event began at Regal Chowk and concluded at the Karachi Press Club, drawing a significant crowd led by Comrade Zehra Khan and Comrade Riaz Abbasi. Participants carried red flags and portraits of revolutionary leaders, symbolizing their call for change.
Nasir Mansoor, General Secretary of NTUF, addressed the rally, emphasizing that capitalism’s grip on global politics was causing widespread distress. He cited economic instability and conflicts, such as the Russia-Ukraine war, as manifestations of capitalism’s internal decay.
Comrade Gul Rehman criticized Pakistan’s ruling elite for adopting policies detrimental to workers’ rights. He noted the erosion of labor protections and the dismissal of basic service demands as acts of rebellion.
Zehra Khan warned against a new “Labor Code” in Sindh and Punjab, which she claimed would legitimize the illegal third-party contract system. She vowed resistance against this move, accusing the government and international organizations of complicity.
Asad Iqbal Butt from the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) condemned the alliance of feudal lords and elites in perpetuating public misery. He argued that political parties distract from necessary class-based struggles.
Aqib Hussain of Alternate criticized the ruling class for manipulating the working class into supporting their own exploitation. Tahir Khan of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) decried the misuse of legislation to silence dissenting voices.
The rally concluded with several resolutions, including the removal of anti-worker clauses from the Sindh Labor Code and the abolition of the contract system. Organizers announced plans for a larger sit-in in Karachi ahead of the federal budget, with details to be disclosed soon.