Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis & Human Resource Development (OPHRD), Chaudhry Salik Hussain held a meeting with the General Secretary of Italian General Confederation of Labour (CGIL), Mr. Maurizio Landini at the Embassy in last week. CGIL is Italy's historic & largest Trade Union.

The 90- min discussion focussed on the promotion & protection of labour rights of the Pakistani workforce across Italy. Estimated at 300,000, Pakistani diaspora in Italy is ranked 1st across Europe (save UK) with 70 % of Pakistanis employed in the industrial units established over Northern Lombardy Region.

Highlighting their excellent and well-established credentials as a qualified workforce, the Minister emphasized due respect & dignity for Pakistani workers. He added, “Workers should have a sense of belonging and the assurance that someone is there to protect their rights and interests.” 

The Minister briefed the General Secretary on the soaring trajectory of workers remittances and their vital role in Pakistan economy, setting a 30-day record of over $4Bn for March 2025. “Unprecedentedly, $1.12Bn was remitted from Italy in 2024”, He added.   

Mr. Landini reaffirmed commitment to workers’ rights regardless of nationality. He highlighted that CGIL being one of Europe’s oldest and most progressive Trade Unions, focuses on an inclusive approach towards broader worker rights. 

He appreciated the engagement from Pakistan and welcomed closer dialogue and cooperation and invited Pakistan workforce to join CGIL to gain from the dividend of its membership. The Minister noted that the newly positioned Community Welfare Attache at Consulate General of Pakistan in Milan shall connect with CGIL to take forward the discussion into practical outcomes. 

Stating that Pakistan is exploring models to improve labour representation and protections, the Minister expressed interest in learning from Italy’s Trade Union framework and invited Mr. Landini to visit Pakistan to explore and promote avenues of institutional cooperation between Pakistani & Italy in the field. 

Embassy’s Counsellor for Trade & Investment Mr. Yasir Hussain Khokhar organised and facilitated the meeting whereas Mr. Malpassi, Adviser for European & International Policies, CGIL also participated. 

Embassy of Pakistan, Rome
May 5, 2025.