Dar stresses fulfilling international labour standards for exports
The meeting reviewed how Pakistan is implementing ILO conventions and labour commitments, and Dar ordered closer coordination with provinces on agreed timelines.
Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar stressed the need to meet international labour standards to strengthen Pakistan's global economic engagement, the state broadcaster Radio Pakistan reported on Wednesday.
Dar was chairing a meeting of the committee on compliance of labour laws in Islamabad, according to the same report, and he said meeting these standards would also improve Pakistan's export competitiveness and its standing in international trade.
The committee examined how far international conventions and commitments on labour laws had been put into effect, including those of the International Labour Organization.
Participants assessed the regulatory frameworks and enforcement mechanisms needed to bring domestic practices in line with global benchmarks.
Dar directed all concerned departments to maintain close coordination with provincial governments.
He also told them to stick to agreed timelines for meeting all national commitments and obligations.
The International Labour Organization is a United Nations agency that sets international labour standards through conventions, which member countries are expected to implement through their own laws and institutions.
Pakistan has been an ILO member since 1947.
Under the 18th Amendment to the Constitution, passed in 2010, labour is largely a provincial subject, which is why the federal government must work with the provinces to align national commitments with their laws and enforcement.
