Employer-Employee Relations
ISLAMABAD: Chairman of the National Industrial Relations Commission (NIRC), Justice (retd) Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, has announced the organisation of a high-profile seminar in collaboration with the International Labour Organisation (ILO), scheduled to take place on May 1 in Islamabad.
The seminar is part of a broader effort to improve relations between employers and employees and address the pressing challenges faced by Pakistan’s labor sector.
Speaking at a press conference alongside other commission members, Justice Siddiqui emphasized the importance of protecting and empowering workers across various industries. He pointed out that out of Pakistan’s estimated 70 million-strong workforce, only 14% are officially recognised as regular workers.
The vast majority, including workers in informal sectors such as app-based ride services and private couriers, remain without legal protections or benefits.
He said the NIRC was actively exploring ways to expand the definition of “regular workers” to include such categories, especially gig workers like private bike riders, who are increasingly forming the backbone of urban logistics and mobility services.
Justice Siddiqui stressed that the core mission of the NIRC is to serve as a bridge between employees and employers by facilitating dispute resolution and promoting industrial harmony.
He noted that the restoration of public confidence in the commission had led to a notable increase in the number of cases being filed. Moreover, the backlog of pending cases had significantly reduced due to the introduction of video-link hearings.
Looking ahead, the NIRC is planning to implement a system for electronic filing of cases. “We are working on a proforma which will soon be uploaded to the website,” he said, underscoring the commission’s commitment to improving accessibility and efficiency through digital tools.
Justice Siddiqui also noted that improved performance of the NIRC could help alleviate the European Union’s concerns regarding labor practices in Pakistan, potentially impacting future trade relations.
The upcoming seminar will feature addresses by prominent figures, including judges from the Supreme Court and Lahore High Court, the Attorney General of Pakistan, and federal ministers.
Representatives from a wide array of industries have been invited, including leading media figures like Mir Ibrahim Rahman of the Jang Group and Shakeel Masood of the Dawn Group.
The event marks a significant step toward fostering dialogue between employers and employees while promoting fair labor practices across Pakistan’s diverse economic sectors.
