The Pakistan the world keeps missing

Pakistan has a long-standing commitment to international standards, voluntarily acceding to numerous treaties and conventions over decades. These commitments, often predating modern international bodies like the UN, have been integrated into its constitution and national laws to bolster governance, build credibility, and facilitate global economic integration.

The country is currently a party to more than 150 major international treaties and protocols. These agreements span critical areas such as governance, trade, labor rights, human rights, environmental protection, and maritime affairs. Far from being mere symbolic gestures, these commitments serve to enhance Pakistan's market access, attract foreign investment, support development cooperation, and reassure international buyers about the robustness of its regulatory framework.

Pakistan's adherence to international labor standards, particularly through its ratification of 38 International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions, exemplifies this proactive approach. This includes eight of the ten Fundamental Conventions, addressing issues like forced labor, child labor, and freedom of association. The nation is also considering ratifying conventions on occupational safety and health.

This strong stance on labor standards is crucial for export-oriented economies like Pakistan. By meeting international benchmarks, the country reassures global buyers, especially in sectors like textiles and apparel, about the ethical and regulatory compliance of its exports. Notably, Pakistan has ratified the 2014 Protocol to the Forced Labour Convention, a step not yet taken by India despite its own trade agreement commitments.