Representatives from government, employers, and workers’ organizations have unanimously endorsed a resolution aimed at addressing Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) gaps and strengthening OSH standards for safer, healthier workplaces across the country.

The two-day National Tripartite Labour Conference, held after 15 years, concluded here on Tuesday with a pledge to improve governance structures to strengthen OSH, especially in high-risk sectors.

The closing event was attended by Chaudhry Salik Hussain, Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, along with representatives from ILO, employers’ and workers’ organizations and development partner organisations.

According to a press release, the landmark conference, convened by the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development, with the support from the International Labour Organization (ILO), highlighted the importance of ratifying core ILO OSH conventions, strengthening social dialogue, and ensuring a unified approach to labour reforms across provinces.

Chaudhry Salik Hussain, in his closing remarks, stated that the conference is only the beginning and sets the foundation for ongoing collaboration and dialogue.

He said from this day forward, our focus will be on mobilizing resources and implementing tangible projects, particularly in high-risk and priority sectors. He said we will lead by example, creating sustainable practices that can be replicated across industries.

He said this conference has been a gathering to remind ourselves of the promises we have made to our workers and the commitment we have pledged to fulfil.

The Minister said we are not alone in this quest. Employers and workers’ organizations have joined us as equal partners, reflecting that our goals are the same and our problems are shared, he added.

Geir Tonstol, Country Director for ILO Pakistan, said as we move forward, it is imperative for the government to utilize the outcomes of this conference to promote OSH through policies, partnerships, advocacy, training, and capacity building.