ILO Chief Visits Pakistan to Advance Ship Recycling Safety and Decent Work
The International Labour Organization (ILO) Director-General Gilbert F. Houngbo will begin a four-day official visit to Pakistan on October 6, focusing on the country’s longstanding partnership with the ILO and shared priorities including decent work, occupational safety, working conditions and social justice.
A key maritime focus of the visit will be ship recycling safety and sustainable ship recycling at the Gadani ship recycling yards. Mr Houngbo will visit the yards to observe ILO-supported efforts aimed at promoting safer and more sustainable ship recycling practices. The visit is expected to provide an opportunity to discuss occupational health and safety, environmental practices and working conditions in Pakistan’s ship recycling sector.
Meetings With Pakistan’s Leadership
During his four-day visit, Mr Houngbo will meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, President Asif Ali Zardari, and Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain.
He will also meet the chief ministers of Sindh and Punjab during visits to Karachi and Lahore.
Focus on Pakistan’s Ship Recycling Industry
The visit to Gadani is among the most significant maritime components of the ILO Director-General’s Pakistan trip. The ship recycling yards are an important part of Pakistan’s maritime industrial sector, making worker safety, sustainable ship recycling and environmental management important areas of discussion.
According to ILO Pakistan, Mr Houngbo’s visit will provide an opportunity to engage with stakeholders on improving occupational safety and health, working conditions and environmental practices in the sector.
The Importance of Safer Ship Recycling
The Gadani visit highlights the connection between maritime industry growth, workplace safety and environmental sustainability. Safer ship recycling practices can help protect workers while supporting more responsible management of end-of-life vessels and improving conditions across the ship recycling value chain.
ILO Chief to Attend EFP Anniversary
Another major event during the visit will be the 75th anniversary of the Employers’ Federation of Pakistan (EFP) in Karachi, which Mr Houngbo will attend.
In Lahore, the ILO Director-General will meet workers’ representatives and visit Millat Tractors, further broadening the scope of his discussions beyond the maritime sector.
The four-day visit will therefore cover Pakistan’s wider labour priorities while giving particular attention to ship recycling safety, occupational health, sustainable maritime practices and working conditions at Gadani.
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