In a conversation with journalists in Islamabad, Geir T. Tonstol, the ILO’s Country Director, conveyed his gratitude for Pakistan’s assistance.
International trade is crucial to Pakistan’s textile sector, which accounts for a sizeable portion of exports from the nation. Speaking about forced labor, child labor, or bonded labor in the supply chain, Tonstol highlighted that no nation would deal with Pakistan.
As one of the few nations enjoying the benefits of the GSP+ preferential trade deal with the EU, which mandates compliance with 27 labor, human rights, and environmental norms, he emphasized Pakistan’s unique position.
In addition to highlighting the organization’s role in advancing fair recruitment practices, social justice, and decent working conditions, the ILO national chief also discussed his experiences engaging with a variety of stakeholders, including mining workers and railway unionists.
In an effort to address labor concerns and encourage constructive change, he called for more reporting on the estimated 3.4 million people who are forced into bonded labor.
Tonstol delineated the four objectives of the International Labour Organization (ILO) in Pakistan, which are: youth employment, social protection, international labor standards, and ergonomics and health.
The Pakistan Workers’ Federation and the Employers Federation of Pakistan were acknowledged as allies in his encouragement of trade unions. Acknowledging the benefits and challenges given by the 18th Amendment, the ILO is collaborating with province governments to unify labor legislation.
