Exemplary measures to be adopted to protect workers' rights: Afridi

ISLAMABAD, Sep 17 (APP):Minister of State for Interior, Shehryar Khan Afridi Monday assured Pakistan Workers Federation (PWF) that the government would adopt exemplary measures to 

protect rights of workers. Addressing the concluding session of a two-day Strategy Workshop: Promoting Labour Standards Compliance in Textile 

and Garments Sectors, he said, "Our basic objective would be to introduce such policies to benefit workers and improve their living standards. 

He said, "Pakistan is our homeland and we need to introduce such reforms not only to improve our image across the globe but also ensure development and prosperity." 

He said national security is our priority and there would be no compromise on it. 

The minister while assuring his cooperation to PWF, said he would raise voice for their rights at any forums. 

Besides others, Central General Secretary, Pakistan Workers Federation (PWF), Chaudhry Muhammad Yaqoob, Central Organizer PWC, Zahoor Awan, Aslam Wafa and Abdul Qadir, 

Program Coordinator and Advisor, Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES) Pakistan also shared their views on various aspects of working of 

trade unions in Pakistan and the overall situation of workers' rights in the country. 

The workers' leaders were of view that the textile and the garment sectors were the largest sectors of the economy with 

largest number of employees and workers but unfortunately, the exploited sector of the country as well. 

They added that almost 40% of all industrial workers in Pakistan are linked with textile industry whereas their contribution in overall exports is 62%. 

Therefore, the representatives said they are facing numerous challenges that do not auger well for the sector which is an important part of global.

World must acknowledge Pakistan's sacrifices in war against terrorism: Afridi

ISLAMABAD, Sep 13 (APP):State Minister for Interior, Shehryar Khan Afradi Thursday said that Pakistan nation had given huge sacrifices in war against terrorism, which should be acknowledged by the world.

During a meeting with Australian High Commissioner here, the minister said that Pakistan was most affected country in the war against terror, adding that the national interest was the top priority of the government.

He said that the world community did not take the issue of Afghan Refugees seriously, according to a statement issued by the ministry here.

The statement said that the overseas Pakistanis were assets of the country and had been playing vital role in economic development.

The minister said that strict action was being taken to stop human trafficking.

Both the dignitaries also discussed matters of mutual interest including issues of security and human trafficking.

Maintaining peace, law&order include in government's top priorities

Maintaining peace, law&order include in government's top priorities: Shehryar Afridi

        CHARSADDA, Sep 16 (APP)::State Minister for Interior, Shehryar Afridi Sunday said that maintaining peace and law and order situation in the country was included in top priorities of the government.

Addressing as a chief Guest during passing out parade of Frontier Constabulary (FC) in Shabqadar, district

Charsadda on Sunday.

He said those FC troops who lost their lives for protection of motherland are in fact our real heroes and the whole nation held their sacrifices in high esteem.

He said security forces, FC and police have rendered matchless sacrifices in the war against terrorism for the sake of motherland.

The minister said FC will be made exemplary force by giving them training on scientific lines.

The minister lauded the role of FC for security of major sensitive installations in the country and its services for masses.

On this occasion, 1172 recruits participated in the parade.

Earlier, Shehryar Afridi inspected the parade and distributed trophies among outstanding recruits.

Afridi visits passport office, urges for resolving peoples' problems

ISLAMABAD, Sep 13 (APP):State Minister for Interior, Shehryar Khan Afridi Thursday paid a surprise visit to the Passport Headquarters here and inquired from people about the problems they were facing.

According to a press statement issued here, the minister directed the management of the Passport Office to resolve those problems at the earliest.

He directed Director General Passport to visit passport offices of Islamabad and Rawalpindi every week and said that media should also be given access to passport headquarters.

Meanwhile, the minister also inspected the illegal construction at a commercial hub in the capital city and gave 24 hours' ultimatum to the owners to remove their illegal construction by themselves.

He said that if the owners failed to take action, the illegal structures would be demolished. The minister also warned the Centaurus Mall administration to wind up the site office within 24 hours.