José Simões, Global Programme Head of Public Service International (PSI), visited Rawalpindi and announced that the Rawalpindi Municipal Labour Union will be registered under the PSI Global Programme, a move that opens international training and technical support for municipal staff. The PSI registration is aimed at linking local workers with global resources to improve workplace protections and professional development.
Mr Simões was welcomed at the Municipal Corporation Office on the special invitation of Union President Raja Haroon and General Secretary Pastor Shahid Raza. Senior union members present included Arshad Khan, Malik Ghazanfarullah, Sufi Fayaz, Tariq Yousaf, Changez Bhatti, Nisar Kayani, Abdul Waheed, Zaka Haider Shah, Raja Danish Abbasi, Shahid Khan, Malik Ashfaq, Javed Ahmed, Raja Abdul Majeed, Chaudhry Fakhar, Raja Naveed Khan, Malik Usman, Shan Cheeda and Zeeshan Akbar, reflecting broad local leadership engagement.
Speaking to officials, Mr Simões described PSI as a global federation representing public service workers in 154 countries and said the organisation stands “shoulder to shoulder” with municipal staff. He explained that PSI registration will enable the union to access international training programmes, practical resources and targeted technical assistance to tackle workplace challenges and raise service delivery standards in Rawalpindi.
The expected benefits of the PSI registration include stronger protection of workers’ rights and enhanced professional skills for municipal employees at the local level, helping to professionalise services for residents. At the close of the meeting, Union President Raja Haroon thanked José Simões on behalf of union officials and described PSI’s commitment as a historic milestone for workers in Rawalpindi.
