Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain has said ensuring dignity, protection, fair wages, and equal opportunities for workers are amongst the government’s top priorities.

He expressed these views while addressing a ceremony held in Islamabad today to mark International Labour Day, organized by the Ittehad Union of All Pakistan OGDCL Employees (Registered) CBA.

The Minister further said workers are the backbone of any nation, and their hard work plays a key role in Pakistan’s development, industrial stability, and global recognition.

He added that the government is committed to protecting workers’ rights not only at the national level but also internationally.

Chaudhry Salik Hussain said over 7,62,000 Pakistanis were provided employment abroad last year, while remittances reached  around 40 billion dollars.

He said new employment opportunities have been created through agreements with Italy, Qatar, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia.

Highlighting financial support for workers, he said the marriage grant has been increased from 400,000 rupees to 600,000 rupees, and the death grant from 800,000 rupees to 1,000,000 rupees.

The Minister announced that soon, houses and flats will be allotted on merit to industrial workers in Islamabad, including OGDCL workers.

Chaudhry Salik Hussain also shared that pensions under the Employees' Old-Age Benefits Institution have been increased, while digital reforms, such as the Workers Welfare Fund mobile app and the e-Protector system, have enhanced convenience and transparency.

He said that strict actions have been taken against illegal recruitment agents to protect workers from exploitation.

At the end of the ceremony, commemorative shields were presented to the Federal Minister and other distinguished guests.

The event was attended by Secretary Workers Welfare Fund Zulfiqar Ahmed, Managing Director of Oil and Gas Development Company Limited Ahmed Hayat Lak,   Managing Director OEC Naseer Khan Kashani, President of the All Pakistan OGDCL Employees Union (Registered) CBA Zahid Hussain Bhutto, General Secretary of the Packages Group Workers Union Sheikh Mohsin Ilyas, and office-bearers of labor unions from various provinces.