Garment factory workers across Pakistan are still struggling for basic labour rights. This view was shared by speakers who participated in the seminar ‘Health & Safety Award Distribution Ceremony’, that happened in connection with the 6th anniversary of Baldia factory fire mishap, recently.
Senator Raza Rabbani, who was the Chief Guest at the event, said that there was a need to form an alliance of workers, middle class and intellectuals for the acquisition of their fundamental rights.
He also added that the state had failed miserably to provide fundamental rights to garment workers and nothing was more agonising than seeing the state destroy trade union in Pakistan.
According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Pakistan stand at number fourth spot globally, in regard with poor working conditions.
While lauding the efforts of labour organisations for providing compensation to the victims of Baldia fire disaster, Faisal Siddiqi, senior advocate, said that the support received from international human rights organisation was also commendable.
Belinda Chanda, ILO country office representative, remarked that the organisation was putting efforts to make working places in Pakistan safe.
She also complemented the Sindh government for introducing pro-labour legislation and also taking measures to protect the rights of the workers. She recognised the role played by affected families, PILER and National Trade Union Federation (NTUF).
Though German retailer KIK, which was held responsible for the Baldia disaster, signed an MoU with PILER, the condition of workers across all factories still needs a lot of attention and improvement.
Bharat Tex Special Report 2026 
