The Sindh government has declared May 1, 2025, a public holiday across the province in observance of International Labour Day, ARY News reported.
In an official notification, the government confirmed that all government offices, semi-government institutions, and educational establishments—including schools, colleges, and universities—will remain closed on Thursday, May 1st.
International Labour Day, observed annually on May 1st, serves as a global recognition of the rights and contributions of workers. The day commemorates the historic 1886 Chicago protests, where workers demanded a reduction in work hours from 14 to 8 hours. The protests escalated into violent clashes, resulting in several worker fatalities. Since then, May 1st has been globally recognized as Labour Day.
Labour Day in Pakistan
Labour Day was officially recognized in Pakistan in 1972 with the introduction of the country’s first Labour Policy. Since then, the day has been marked by various events such as seminars, rallies, and other activities to highlight the challenges faced by workers. The day serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to uphold workers’ rights.
The federal government has also declared May 1, 2025, as a nationwide public holiday, ensuring that the observance will extend across the country.
Additional Government Announcements
In related news, the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has abolished Saturday holidays in its offices across Pakistan. The FBR stated that the decision was part of a broader strategy aimed at meeting the revenue collection targets for the fiscal year 2024-25. A formal directive was issued to all Chief Commissioners, instructing them to observe official working hours and to treat Saturdays as regular working days.
The FBR aims to increase the tax-to-GDP ratio to 11.2% in the upcoming fiscal year, with efforts to maximize revenue collection until June 30, 2025.
