To mark Labour Day, a series of seven workers’ rallies were organised by various organisations and labour unions, commemorating the sacrifices of Chicago’s workers while protesting against ongoing labour exploitation and spiralling inflation, including rising prices of petrol, diesel, milk, yoghurt and essential commodities.

Participants carried placards, banners and panaflex displays highlighting the dignity of labour, workers’ rights and slogans referencing the Chicago martyrs.

The rallies proceeded along Murree Road, Rawal Road, Liaquat Bagh Chowk, Liaquat Chowk and Chandni Chowk before dispersing peacefully.

The Municipal Labour Union rally was led by former mayor Sardar Muhammad Naseem Khan, alongside Union President Raja Haroon, Secretary General Padre Shahid Raza, members of the assembly and PML-N Labour Wing President Chaudhry Fakhar Waraich.

Employees and party workers marched from Liaquat Road to Liaquat Bagh Chowk. Addressing the gathering, Naseem said Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz had resolved key issues facing workers and government employees, citing free education, healthcare and the development of labour colonies.

A separate rally organised by the Christian community marched from Murree Road to Chandni Chowk under the leadership of Rashid Chauhan, Pastor Qaiser Masih and Pastor Asif Masih.

Chauhan stated that the Pakistan Peoples Party would introduce a substantial relief package for workers if returned to power, adding that it had historically increased wages.