Dr Arif Alvi, President of Pakistan, stated that he was pleased to hear about the immense and proactive contribution of EFP in matters of industrial relations, human relations, occupational safety and health, environment, and industrialization. He also complimented EFP for playing a pivotal role, not only on the local scene, but has also a leading role among South Asia and Asia Pacific Employers groups, and at ILO and International Organization of Employers. This is a manifestation of the visionary policies of the EFP Board of Directors. He was talking to a
13 Member delegation of Board of Directors of Employers’ Federation of Pakistan led by Majyd Aziz, President, that included Zaki Ahmed Khan, Vice President.
The President also appreciated the fact that EFP has obtained the membership of Commonwealth Enterprise & Investment Council and that the nominee of EFP has been appointed on the CWEIC Advisory Council. He was sanguine that EFP would play an active role in using the prestige and influence of CWEIC to attract meaningful foreign investment, joint ventures and technology transfer in Pakistan.
Dr Arif Alvi, while lauding the initiative of formation of EFP Economic Council, recalled that when he attended one of the EFP events in 2017 he was given a copy of the EFP National Business Agenda and he had in his speech appreciated the efforts of EFP and the contents of this Agenda. He added that he had advised EFP to prepare a comprehensive document to address the economy of Pakistan. He said that he is pleased that EFP prepared the EFP Economic Vision 2030 and has widely distributed it locally and internationally. He also appreciated that the Economic Council is working on proposals and solutions for an alternative Federal Budget, Naya Housing Scheme, Exports Strategy, and attraction of Foreign Direct Investment.
He also was pleased to launch the EFP Pakistan Migrant Workers Rehabilitation Cell for the Pakistani returnees from Saudi Arabian prisons. He said that in his opinion this Cell would certainly provide much needed support to these returnees who have lost jobs and would surely be seeking local employment as well as sustainable income. The altruism of dedicated EFP Board of Directors is highly commendable and he assured EFP on behalf of the Government that all kind of support and facilitation would be available to EFP to ensure the success of this Cell.
Earlier, Majyd Aziz in his introductory remarks, highlighted the myriad activities of EFP during the past 27 months of the tenure of the present Board of Directors. He specifically mentioned the formation of EFP Economic Council, sole Pakistani organization to become member of CWEIC and appointment in the CWEIC Advisory Council, first Presidentship of South Asian Forum of Employers, Membership of Executive Council of Confederation of Asia Pacific Employers, and nominations on Boards of various worker welfare organizations as well as other government councils and academia boards.
Zaki Ahmed Khan mentioned that on April 26, 2019 EFP will organize its Annual Signature Event on Occupational Safety and Health and requested the President to be the Chief Guest and also give away Awards to companies who demonstrates best practices in OSH. He added that now most of the companies are giving special attention to OSH and are seeking advice and guidance from EFP OSH Experts. He also informed that for the first time EFP, in collaboration with Institute of Business Administration, has launched the Diploma Program in Employment Laws and Industrial Relations. Furthermore, from 2020 the Advanced Diploma Program would also commence.
Fasihul Karim Siddiqi, Secretary General EFP, highlighted the background, objectives, modalities, methodologies, management and implementation of the EFP Migrant Workers Rehabilitation Cell and also explained the need to launch the Diploma Program that is crucial for capacity building of Human Resource Practitioners. .
