WRITING FOR THE EAR: Speeches

Labor Day - A day we have picked out from our annual calendar to decorate the city with sickles and hammers, to fill the streets with rallies and parades; while we watching union leaders protesting against labour repression from the comfort of our homes as its a holiday! But amidst all this we forget the true purpose of this day. This day, out of all others, commemorates the achievements and importance of our countrys very own beloved citizens, often working under duress with below average wages and benefits. Today, we take some time out of our busy schedules to realize how essential our workers are to our society and how invaluable an asset, they are to Pakistan.

The workers and laborers of Pakistan play a vital role in the everyday functioning of our lives; but sadly, they are often ignored or taken for granted. Hence, we meet today for the purpose of paying honour to the splendid spirit of this outstanding organization. Let us revive our thoughts about the infallible loyalty, the unwavering energy, unimaginable skill and boundless spirit stored in all Pakistanis. When I had researched to hunt some material for my speech, I came across such eye-opening revelations that I was bound to share them with you all- Did you know that even though Pakistan had become a member of the International Labor Organization(ILO) back in 1947, it took us 25 more years to devise our first labor policy and that after the government released the 5000/= rupee note, a huge fraction of Pakistanis can be paid a monthly salary in a single note or less, regardless of any minimum wage requirements? While we are complaining about the rising prices of petrol, did you ever think about how the equally escalating prices of milk are affecting these very invaluable workers who dont even have a car to worry about? Have you ever stopped to think that if the inconsistencies of our unstable economy is making life difficult for us, how much more unbearable it makes life for the labourers?

Submitted to: Mam. Fatema Hassan (P.R) Submitted by: Syed Shabbir Rizvi

April 16, 2012

WRITING FOR THE EAR: Speeches

If education is the future of our nation and agriculture the backbone, why havent new land reforms been enforced and feudalism banished? What actions are the government and its people taking to resolve the atrocious situation of child labour, where children as young as 5 years old can be found in factories? If we stress upon the use of innovation and technology in farming, why isnt proper funding and educational awareness being provided to the needy? The brick making industry, which employs 1.8 million people, is another key industry but did you know that the Pakistan Bhatta Mazdoor Union alleges that the conditions under which these 1.8 million Pakistanis are employed resemble slavery, partly due to the bonded labour system, also known as peshgi? To translate all this to a level on which we can relate to as individuals, I would like to highlight some daily-life situations around us. Im pretty sure that nearly all of us have a housemaid working at our homes She too is a labour. So why is it that while we can easily spend thousands at the Lawn exhibitions, we hesitatingly pay our maid at least a week or twos time late? Why is it that we would never bargain over the price of a Big Mac but always haggle with the daily wage-depending labour such as a white wash painter, just because he isnt part of a worldwide franchise? Why is it that the Pakistanis adhere to all these exact labour laws and regulations when abroad and blatantly ignore them in their own motherland? Why is it that the Pakistani labourers are recognized for their skill and laborious nature in foreign countries, where as they are face extreme difficulties and zero appreciation in their very nation? And why is it easy for us to outright point accusatory fingers at the government for everything wrong, while refraining from owning up to the part of blame on your hands? I hope these points will make you ponder on the harsh reality of the situation and make you realize how much work has to be invested in the betterment of the labor. I urge you all to realize the gravity of the situation and that the rural areas arent picnic spots by default and the labourers arent uneducated by choice. If they are invisible and unheard, it is our responsibility to make them visible by raising our voices and reminding everyone of the need to provide our workers in these ignored segments of society
Submitted to: Mam. Fatema Hassan (P.R) Submitted by: Syed Shabbir Rizvi
April 16, 2012

WRITING FOR THE EAR: Speeches

with genuine rights and legal benefits. I propose that the best solution of forming mutual cordial relations between its employee and employer; lies upon the pillar of justice-based system of Islam to take care of genuine rights of each other, which is showcased in the famous Hadith that the wages of a labour must be paid to him before the sweat dries upon his body. With this, I bring my speech to a humble end and thank you all very much for your attention and appreciation for the labor of Pakistan.

Convocation of University of Karachi - It gives me immense pleasure to be here with you all this afternoon for your annual Convocation. I extend my sincere felicitations to the students, faculty members and to all who are present here on this occasion and also extend my good wishes for your successful future. Let me say, at the very outset, that I have been truly impressed by the remarkable strides that the University has made in the country in recent years. I compliment you all, particularly, the Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qaiser Khan. The steps taken by him to establish this institution a piece of excellence indeed is very impressive. Convocation is an extremely important day in the life of a student. The occasion indicates that you have imbibed the values and skills needed to deal with the world outside and also to improve your capability. I have no doubt that you will be exemplary in whatever you choose to do and successful in meeting the challenges that await you. Well, you all will agree with me that there is a need for focus on capacity building activity in higher education. I must acknowledge that the education system in Pakistan has remained insulated. It is a general notion that the focus in education no w a days has been on certification rather than skill enhancement and development of knowledge and competencies. This has compromised the quality of education immensely. Therefore,
Submitted to: Mam. Fatema Hassan (P.R) Submitted by: Syed Shabbir Rizvi

April 16, 2012

WRITING FOR THE EAR: Speeches

there is a need for development of quality benchmarks and standards in our education system. While recognizing the contributions of government in some fields of education system, I would also like to request the concerned authority to facilitate all that is possible to disseminate information and be pro active in addressing the need of the students as per the changing environment. I would like to advise those who have received their degrees to remember that individual success, however desirable and coveted, is not enough by itself. We have to be socially useful, innovative and have multi- disciplinary approach to do yourselves, your families and your State and Country proud. Knowledge is a powerful agent of change. The creation and application of new knowledge has to be contributed for the growth of societies and I also congratulate the individuals on whom the University has conferred the Degrees, Diploma and Certificates. I felicitate the students graduating today and wish them all success in life. I am confident that education would continue to be a part of their lives as they seek to upgrade their skills, acquire new knowledge and improve their career and standard of living. Last of all, I would like to share a famous quote of our Quiad; With faith, discipline and selfless devotion to duty, there is nothing worthwhile that you cannot achieve. I once again would like to thanks Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qaiser Khan for inviting me today. Thank you very much, God Bless you all.

Submitted to: Mam. Fatema Hassan (P.R) Submitted by: Syed Shabbir Rizvi

April 16, 2012