Employers and workers strengthen dialogue on business and human rights in Pakistan

Islamabad, 18 June 2026 - Through the European Union-funded Huqooq-e-Pakistan II project, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Workers-Employers Bilateral Council of Pakistan (WEBCOP), convened a high-level dialogue in Islamabad on Business and Human Rights (BHR) and responsible business conduct.

The dialogue brought together employers' and workers' organizations, senior government representatives and development partners to discuss labour governance, social dialogue, workplace protections and implementation of labour-related commitments under Pakistan's National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights (NAP-BHR).

"Social dialogue is essential to building fair, productive and resilient workplaces," said Rabia Razzaque, Officer-in-Charge, ILO Pakistan. "Employers' and workers' organizations have a central role in promoting respect for labour rights, strengthening workplace accountability and advancing responsible business conduct. Through this dialogue, ILO remains committed to supporting Pakistan in aligning labour governance with International Labour Standards and Business and Human Rights principles."

As Pakistan advances efforts to strengthen labour standards and responsible business practices, the event provided a platform for employers, workers, government institutions and development partners to exchange perspectives on responsible business conduct, human rights due diligence, International Labour Standards (ILS), workplace accountability and advancing rights-based labour governance.

"Strong labour rights and strong businesses are not competing objectives; they are mutually reinforcing pillars of sustainable economic development," said H.E. Mr. Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development. He emphasized the Ministry's ongoing efforts towards strengthening labour governance systems and alignment with International Labour Standards.

"Working on business and human rights is not a luxury but increasingly a necessity to stay competitive", said Jeroen Willems, Head of Cooperation, European Union Delegation to Pakistan. "The European Union is pleased to support this dialogue which contributes to Pakistan's continued progress on international commitments, including those linked with GSP+, by encouraging stronger social dialogue, compliance and accountability."

During the plenary session, employers' and workers' organizations exchanged perspectives on workplace-level implementation challenges, labour rights protections, social dialogue mechanisms, and responsible business conduct practices in Pakistan. Participants emphasized the need for continued collaboration, practical engagement, and strengthened stakeholder coordination to support implementation of labour-related commitments and workplace accountability frameworks.

"The true measure of economic progress is whether it expands opportunity while upholding dignity and rights," said Dr. Samuel Rizk, Resident Representative, UNDP Pakistan. "When workers are treated fairly, businesses act responsibly, and institutions are accountable, economies become more resilient, productive, and inclusive. Stronger collaboration is essential to translate human rights commitments into tangible improvements in people's lives."

"The Government of Pakistan remains committed to the implementation of the National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights," said Mr. Muhammad Arshad, Director General, Ministry of Human Rights. "Strengthening collaboration among government institutions, employers, workers and development partners is essential to promote workplace dignity, protect labour rights and advance responsible business conduct in Pakistan."

"Responsible business conduct is not only about compliance; it is about building competitive, resilient and sustainable enterprises that can thrive in an increasingly interconnected global economy. Respect for workers' rights and constructive engagement with social partners are essential ingredients of long-term business success," said Mr. Mian Akram Farid, President Federation of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce and Industry during his closing remarks. He further emphasized that responsible business conduct, respect for labour rights and constructive engagement between employers and workers are essential for building competitive enterprises and a resilient economy.

The dialogue concluded with a renewed commitment to continue collaborative engagement on labour governance, responsible business conduct and promotion of labour rights in line with Pakistan's national and international commitments, including the NAP-BHR, International Labour Standards and GSP+.

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For further details, please contact:
• Fizza Bangash, Communications Analyst, UNDP Pakistan, at [email protected]
• Samar Saeed Akhtar, Communications, Press and Information Officer, [email protected], Delegation of the European Union to Pakistan
• Muhammad Numan, Communication Officer, ILO Pakistan, [email protected]