How the May Day celebrated in Pakistan?

 

Hi everyone! Today is May Day, also known as Labor Day or International Workers' Day. It is a day to celebrate the achievements and struggles of the working class and to demand better rights and conditions for them. In this blog post, I will share with you how May Day is celebrated in Pakistan, a country with a rich history of labour movements and activism.

Although Pakistan is the member of International Labour Organisation (ILO) since 1947, but Pakistan’s first labor policy was devised in 1972, in which May 1 was declared an official holiday. 

The first May Day rally was held in Karachi, the then capital of Pakistan, and was attended by thousands of workers and trade unionists. Since then, May Day has become an annual occasion for workers to voice their grievances and demands, such as higher wages, shorter working hours, social security, health care, and safety at work.

 

May Day celebrations in Pakistan usually involve rallies, marches, seminars, conferences, cultural programs, and speeches by labour leaders and politicians. The main events are organized by various trade unions, labour federations, political parties, and civil society groups. Some of the prominent organizations that participate in May Day activities are the Pakistan Workers' Federation (PWF), the All Pakistan Trade Union Federation (APTUF), the National Trade Union Federation (NTUF), the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), and the Awami Workers Party (AWP).

 

One of the highlights of May Day in Pakistan is the awarding of the Nisar Shaheed Award, named after a young trade union activist who was killed by police during a May Day rally in 1972. The award is given to individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the cause of labour rights and social justice in Pakistan. Some of the past recipients of the award are Asma Jahangir, a renowned human rights lawyer and activist; Abdul Sattar Edhi, a philanthropist and founder of the Edhi Foundation; and Khurshid Ahmed, a veteran trade union leader and economist.

 

May Day is not only a day of protest and solidarity but also a day of celebration and joy for the workers of Pakistan. They sing songs, dance, play music, and enjoy cultural performances that reflect their diverse backgrounds and cultures. They also express their hopes and aspirations for a better future for themselves and their families.

 

May Day is a reminder that workers are the backbone of any society and economy. They deserve respect, dignity, and justice for their hard work and sacrifices. They also have the power to change the world for the better if they unite and organize. As the famous slogan goes: "Workers of the world, unite! You have nothing to lose but your chains!"