LAHORE: Former MPA and prominent Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) leader Sania Kamran today paid tribute to the countless women whose “unseen labour” powers Pakistan’s economy, from cotton fields to corporate boardrooms. Speaking to the media on the occasion of International Labour Day, she emphasized that the contributions of female workers must not go unrecognized.

“On this Labour Day, let us not forget the women who work tirelessly in the fields—picking cotton under the scorching sun—and those who lead our nation from important offices,” Sania Kamran said. “Their efforts, often unseen and unappreciated, are the backbone of our economic progress.”

Highlighting the legacy of Shaheed Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, Kamran noted that it was under her leadership that women’s rights and workplace protections were significantly advanced. “Benazir Bhutto fought to ensure women had a voice in every sphere. Today, we honor her vision by celebrating women’s labour at all levels,” she added.

Sania Kamran urged employers, policymakers, and citizens alike to actively applaud and appreciate the “invisible workforce” of women—domestic helpers, agricultural labourers, factory workers, healthcare aides, and more—whose contributions too often go unnoticed. “Recognition is the first step toward empowerment,” she stated.

She concluded by calling for concrete measures to improve working conditions, fair wages, and social security for women across all industries. “Today, we honor every woman whose unseen labour sustains our nation. Let’s pledge to make their work visible and their rights respected.”