APMM Holds Public Rally on Labor Day in Islamabad’s Rimsha Colony - Faith & Freedom News

Islamabad (Staff Reporter) — On the occasion of Labor Day, the All Pakistan Minorities Movement (APMM) organized a peaceful and vibrant public rally in Sector H-9, Rimsha Colony, Islamabad, to highlight the rights and challenges of workers.

The rally was led by Ms. Sheerin Aslam (Deputy General Secretary and Central President of APMM Women’s Wing), with participation from Vice Chairman Sohail Roomi, Fayaz Bhatti, Javed Gill (from Spain), Chaudhry Ishtiaq Hussain, Boota Masih, Baba Mehr, Bhola Masih, and other central leaders.

Around 1,300 local residents of Rimsha Colony voiced deep concerns over the Capital Development Authority’s (CDA) reported plan to demolish their homes. Addressing the crowd, APMM Chairman Mr. Nadeem Bhatti declared, “We will legally challenge this decision, and we will not allow this injustice to happen.”

On this Labor Day, APMM paid tribute to the historic labor movement, especially the 1886 Haymarket incident in Chicago, which became a global symbol of the eight-hour workday and fundamental labor rights.

APMM has consistently advocated for the rights of Pakistan’s marginalized and underprivileged workers, including CDA sanitation workers, municipal and domestic employees, and bonded laborers.

Chairman Nadeem Bhatti strongly condemned CDA’s plan to privatize the jobs of around 1,400 to 1,450 sanitation workers, saying, “We will not accept this decision and will take the matter to court. Privatization will only make life harder for these workers.”

APMM had previously raised its voice in March against a private company that had withheld workers’ salaries for three months. “Our sanitation workers play a crucial role in keeping the capital clean and beautiful. We stand firmly with them,” Bhatti emphasized. He urged all affected workers facing violence, abuse, or discrimination to immediately contact APMM representatives. “We will continue to strive for fair wages, legal protection, and dignified treatment for all workers,” he added.

Chairman Nadeem Bhatti also praised Rimsha Colony Unit President Arif Attowal and Islamabad District Youth President Asad Attowal for successfully organizing the event. He noted that Labor Day is a time to honor workers’ rights, sacrifices, and contributions, and that such commemorations help highlight the importance of the labor class and bring their issues to the attention of authorities.

Bhatti commended Asad and Arif Attowal for their hard work, organizational skills, and dedication, which united the youth and minority communities in a meaningful event. He further stated that the All Pakistan Minorities Movement is committed to advocating for minority rights and that such programs not only raise awareness but also promote unity, solidarity, and social harmony.