Celebrating the work, the backbone of the nation

Islamabad:

On May 1, 2025, as the country marked the day of work, a national holiday intended to honor the contributions of workers, the 1,320 MW Sahiwal power plant was in a quiet performance.

While the offices were closed and families gathered to celebrate, the plant remained fully operational, continuing its crucial role in providing uninterrupted electricity to the Pakistan national network, a press release said on Thursday.

The working day, observed worldwide on May 1, comes from the labor union movement in the late 19th century, with roots in the 1886 Haymarket case in Chicago, where workers demanded eight hours of work.

In Pakistan, the day took place in 1972 as part of the wider work reforms. He was intended not only to provide rest but also to remind the nation the value and dignity of his workforce. But for the men of the Sahiwal power plant, the spirit of the day does not live in a state of rest, but in continued service.

This carbon-powered power station located in the heart of Punjab and developed jointly under the China-Pakistani economic corridor (CPEC) is a joint effort between China and Pakistan. Its credibility depends on the uninterrupted efforts of a special group of men, Pakistanis and Chinese engineers, techniques, operators and workers who manage the factory around the clock in two to three shifts, each day of the year. Their silent dedication makes it possible to operate millions of houses and industries, even when the rest of the nation takes a break.

In the early hours of May 1, the Sahiwal electricity plant leadership made various areas of the facility and praised the unshakable commitment of workers, in particular the challenges of removal from families on days dedicated to resting and reunion. In addition to its technical contributions, the Sahiwal plant is a living example of international friendship and cooperation.

While many days of Mark working with rally, speeches and solidarity statements, Sahiwal workers continue their duty with quiet pride. They may not appear on television screens or news headings, but their contribution is no less heroic. The electricity they produce keeps hospitals running, dominating houses and schools and maintaining factories and businesses across Pakistan.

This corporate relationship is evident in every control room, a strobilic hall and a factory monitoring station. The companionship between engineers and workers of the two nations exceeds language and borders. These men are not only workers. They are the guardians of Pakistan’s energy stability.

As the sun stayed on May 1st, the lights in Pakistan continued to shine vigorously, thanks to the steadfast efforts of those who stayed in their positions. For men at the Sahiwal Carbon Power Station, the nation greets you. You are the backbone of progress. Meanwhile, Federal Minister of Science and Technology Khalid Hussain Magsi has chaired a meeting to review the current and future development projects of the Ministry of Science and Technology.

The meeting focused on reviewing the progress of 31 ongoing development projects and discussed the march map for future initiatives.

The federal minister emphasized that all projects should aim to immediately elevate the lives of common citizens, especially in rear and insufficient areas, bringing them to the same level with developed areas.

The minister underlined the importance of scientific progress without exclusion, demanding increased efforts to promote scientific education and innovation across the country. He called on organizations to focus not only on infrastructure but also on building human capital by raising awareness and access to quality education.

Federal Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said in a statement that “workers’ well -being is essential for a prosperous and powerful Pakistan.”

Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan stressed that the dignity of work is the foundation of a strong and prosperous nation. Our employees – either in industry, agriculture, trade or services – are the real drivers of national development.