KARACHI: “Change of mindset is essential to meet the gap between Labour standards and compliance in the agricultural economy particularly when it comes to implementing Fundamental rights of workers and Decent Work.” This was stated by Ijaz Ahmed Mehesar, Secretary Livestock, and Fisheries, Government of Sindh. He was speaking as the Chief Guest at the Multi-Stakeholders Consultative meeting to promote FPRW and Decent Work at Hyderabad. The meeting was organized by Employers Federation of Pakistan in collaboration with ILO to establish Social Dialogue Platform.
Ms. Ingrid Christensen speaking online at the occasion thanked EFP for organizing the event and said that the commitment made by the stakeholders to promote FPRW and fight against forced Labour and Child Labour in the cotton growing communities is highly appreciable. She stressed the need for the education of children by taking them away from the workplace so that they can be shaped into better citizens. She said that all stakeholders have an important role to play particularly in the campaign against child Labour and forced Labour.
Earlier, Syed Nazar Ali, Director EFP Board welcomed the participants to the consultative meeting and expressed the hope that it will positively contribute to creating a conducive atmosphere in which the stakeholders in the agricultural sector will be able to mutually discuss their issues and challenges.
Haji Ghulam Asghar Khumbar, President PWF Interior Sindh speaking on the occasion assured his complete solidarity with the efforts of Employers’ Federation of Pakistan in developing a Social Platform to promote FPRW and Decent Work in the Cotton Growing Community particularly in the lower tiers of the cotton supply chain.
Ijaz Ahmed, ILO Project Coordinator in his remarks explained the role and structure of ILO in promoting FPRW and Decent Work Agenda and hope that the participants will find this meeting a great learning opportunity.
Ghulfam Nabi Memon, Former Joint Director Labour and currently Labour Expert/ consultant made a presentation on the need and importance of the Social Dialogue Platform for promoting FPRW and Decent Work. In his presentation, he explained why principles of FPRW are important in the context of Changing Global Working Environment. He emphasized the need of Social Dialogue as a strong tool for sustainability.
The group discussion moderated by Ms. Nuzhat Jahan, Project Consultant, came out with issues and challenges faced by the cotton-growing industry with recommendations and suggestions to improve cotton productivity, working conditions and Social Protection.
Thereafter Fasihul Karim Siddiqi, Advisor EFP proposed the establishment of tripartite taskforce comprising of representatives from the Employers, Workers, and Government. The taskforce is formed to promote FPRW and Decent Work and continue Social Dialogue for their sustainability in the cotton growing community, particularly in lower tiers. A Formal Terms of Reference was unanimously adopted by the participants who agreed on the rotation of chairmanship of the taskforce among the workers, employers and government on six monthly basis.
Qazi Wajid, President Mehar Landlords Association was elected as the Chairman of the taskforce for the first 6 months. It was agreed to hold the taskforce meeting once in a quarter.
Samad Soomro, Deputy Director Labour, Hyderabad and Mirpur Khas region and Mehboob Qureshi, Labour Leader also address the meeting. The meeting ended with vote of thanks by Qazi Wajid who also announced to initiate the formation of 4 large Landlord Associations in the province of Sindh.
