Socialist Movement Pakistan and Pakistan Trade Union Rights Campaign (PTURC) organized the May day activities across the country. May Day activities were organized under the banner of SMP and PTURC in 18 cities, in 21 cities and towns the comrades participated in the joint activities. 3000 leaflets were produced and distributed nationally.The special May Day issue of Socialist was also produced and soled in the activities. Here are the brief reports of some important activities and interventions.
LAHORE
SMP and PTURC organized the May Day rally from Badami Bagh to Azadi chowk, in which more than 250 workers, youth and womens participated. They were carrying the
Red flages and banners. They also chanted the slogans of Down with Capitalism , Long live Socialism, American and British troops out of Iraq.Down with Imperialism, Long live workers unity. We want Freedom , we want Revolution, we want Bread not bombs. Many womens and youth were wearing the red clothes. The rally went pass the main streets of area. This was the first rally in this working class area after two decades. The comrades and participants were very enthused with the success of the rally. The speakers condemned the anti working class policies of the government and stress the need of workers unity and struggle against these policies. The rally led by Rukhsana Manzoor, Moona Malik , khalid Bhatti , Fazal Abbas Shah, Fazle Wahid , Mehboob ahmad, Faisal khan and others. They also address the rally.
Resolutions
1- We condemned the management of GAMA company, and fully support the struggle of Turkish immigrant workers for their rights.
2- We are proud of the role playing by the Joe Higgins Member Parliament Socialist Party Ireland in this struggle and struggles of the working class in Ireland.
3- We strongly oppose the privitisation of PTCL, WASA, Pakistan Steel mills and other
Public sector corporations.
4- Abolish the draconian Industrial relations ordinance 2002 and other anti workers laws.
5- End the military operation in Baluchistan and release all the political workers from prison.
These resolutions were passed unanimously . The International May Day greetings send by the comrades from England and Ireland were also read out , which were cheered with loud applause.
SMP comrades also made very good intervention in the rally organized by MLF and Workers confederation. More than 80 comrades were moblised , which were the largest
Political contigent in this rally of about 4000 workers. More than 200 papers were sold and leaflet were distributed. Rukhsana Manzoor was given the plat form and she made the speech, which were enthusiastically cheered by the workers. Comrades also chanted the revolutionary slogans.
KARACHI
Socialist Movement Karachi organized the public meeting in Machar colony area, in which 400 workers participated. Comrade Zubair Rehman was the main speaker along
With Manzoor Razi and other comrades. Many paper were sold and leaflet were distributed. Comrades describe the situation faced by the working class and they also put forward the socialist perspectives.
SMP members also participated in different activities organized by other trade unions. They intervened in the public meeting organized by the MLF . Comrade Zubair also made the speech . They also made important intervention in the meeting organized by the power looms workers. They have made a very important impact through these interventions .
TANDO JAM
SMP organized seminar in Tando Jam Sindh. More than 80 participated in the seminar. The May day leaflet was also distributed.
DADU
SMP and PTURC organized the MAY day rally in Radhan Station and Dadu. More than450 participated in these rallies. It was the first May day rally ever organized in Radhan station.Comrades were carrying the red flages and they chanted the slogans against price hike, unemployeement, privitisation and capitalism.
SHIKAR PUR
SMP and PTURC organized the seminar in Shikar Pur Sindh. More than 150 participated in this seminar.
FAISAL ABAD
SMP and PTURC organized the seminar in Faisalabad , the 3rd largest city in Pakistan. More than 100 participated in this seminar.
ISLAM ABAD
SMP and PTURC organized the seminar in Islamabad the capital of Pakistan. More than 140 workers from different trade unions participated in the seminar. They also intervened in the main rally organized by Workers confederation. The comrades sold the papers and distributed the leaflet. The Leading comrade Azad Qadri Was invited on the stage.
SMP and PTURC also organized activities in these cities, Multan, Sialkot, Muzafar gar, Jatoi, Layyah, Mardan , Swat, DIR, Peshawar, Bahawalpur, Sahiwal, Narowal , Jhang,Larkana, Hyderabad, Quetta, Nowshera.