KARACHI: Speakers at a seminar organized by the Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research (PILER) expressed grave concern over the adverse impacts of climate change on the working class, marking International Workers’ Day. The seminar, held at the Karachi Press Club, highlighted how rising temperatures, unpredictable rainfall, floods, and droughts have posed severe threats to the livelihoods of millions of workers in agriculture, fisheries, construction, and other sectors. This environmental crisis is further exacerbating existing poverty and inequality in society.
The participants emphasized the need for a just and inclusive policy to mitigate the risks of climate change on employment and demanded equal social security opportunities for all workers. Addressing the event, renowned economist Dr. Kaiser Bengali stressed that protecting workers’ livelihoods requires strengthening trade unions. He noted that the right to form unions has practically vanished, breaking the collective strength of laborers. He also criticized recent constitutional amendments, stating they have subordinated the judiciary and weakened the platforms where labor rights were once championed.
Abbas Hyder, Executive Director of PILER, recalled the devastating 2015 heatwave in Karachi, noting that while official figures cited 300 deaths, the Edhi Foundation reported over 5,000 fatalities—the majority being laborers. He also highlighted that 30% of workers in the textile and garment sectors are women, yet they remain deprived of social security benefits. Furthermore, Qazi Khizar, Vice Chairman of HRCP, raised a serious alarm regarding reports of 78 newborns contracting AIDS at Valika Hospital, demanding an impartial investigation. He pointed out that 26 million children in Pakistan are out of school, most of whom belong to the working class.
Nasir Mansoor, leader of the National Trade Union Federation, held developed nations and large corporations responsible for the climate catastrophes in Pakistan, such as the 2022 floods. He informed the audience that a legal case for compensation is currently being pursued in Germany. PILER announced its commitment to uniting all labor organizations under a single platform, with plans to organize a joint program for next year’s May Day. The speakers concluded that without climate justice and organized resistance, the hardships of the working class will only intensify.
