The current situation of trade unions in Pakistan appears fragile and concerning in many respects. In the past, the labour movement was a strong and influential force; however, today its effectiveness has diminished due to various legal, economic, and administrative barriers.

In this context, NOW Communities organized a seminar on 17 February 2026 at Gul Rang Hall, Arts Council of Pakistan Karachi. Prominent trade unionists from across Pakistan participated in the event, including Mr. Habibuddin Junaidi (President, Peoples Labour Bureau Sindh), Ms. Mehnaz Rehman (President, NOW Communities), Mr. Athar Shah (Joint Director, Shops and Establishment), Mr. Saeed Baloch (General Secretary, Pakistan Fisherfolk Forum), Mr. Bilawal Tanoli (Advocate), Mr. Zahid Ali (Advocate), Mr. Hussain Badshah, Mr. Zubair Ahmed, Mr. Iqbal Ansari, Ms. Shehnaz Syed, and Mr. Muhammad Shafi. The session was moderated by Ms. Farhat Parveen, Executive Director of NOW Communities.

During the seminar, the participants highlighted the following key points:

1. A large proportion of workers in Pakistan are employed in the informal sector, where trade unionization is almost non-existent. In the private sector, unofficial restrictions on union formation, the contract system, and fear of job loss discourage workers from organizing themselves.
2. Although labour laws exist in Pakistan, their implementation is extremely weak. Complex registration procedures, delays within labour departments, and pressure from employers pose significant barriers to the formation of unions.
3. The widespread use of contract and daily wage systems has undermined the concept of permanent employment. Workers face uncertainty, which discourages them from engaging in unionization efforts.
4. Female workers, particularly home based workers and domestic workers, face dual challenges—harsh working conditions and low wages on one hand, and barriers to unionization along with risks of harassment on the other.

The labour leaders also pointed out the following challenges:

• Continuous decline in union membership
• Lack of awareness among workers
• Anti-union environment in the private sector
• Absence of social security and labour rights protections
• Limited attention at the government level

In conclusion, the participants proposed the following recommendations:

• Ensure effective implementation of labour laws
• Raise awareness among workers about their rights
• Extend legal protection to the informal sector
• Make unionization easier and safer

If these issues are addressed with seriousness, trade unions can once again become a strong voice for workers, not only protecting their rights but also promoting economic justice.