Stop press: Shahida Jabeen released! We will be carrying the full story as soon as we receive first-hand accounts from Pakistan. Meanwhile, many thanks to all our readers who sent protests to the Pakistani authorities.
Urgent Appeal! Shahida Jabeen: Leading woman Marxist in PPP arrested! Shahida Jabeen was arrested following a speech she gave on November 30, at a rally in Garri Shahu to mark the 34th anniversary of the founding of the Pakistan People's Party. She called for socialism and workers' democracy and strongly criticized the regime of Purvez Musharraf and American imperialism.
Urgent Appeal! Shahida Jabeen: Leading woman Marxist in PPP arrested! Shahida Jabeen was arrested following a speech she gave on November 30, at a rally in Garri Shahu to mark the 34th anniversary of the founding of the Pakistan People's Party. She called for socialism and workers' democracy and strongly criticized the regime of Purvez Musharraf and American imperialism.
The Workers' Struggle in Pakistan Steel Khalid Bhatti, national organiser of the PTUDC in Pakistan explains the sitatution in the Karachi Steel Mills. He gives a brief history of the unionisation of the workers and explains the role of the PTUDC.
Mexico Picket Against Trade Union Repression in Pakistan Report of the picket outside the Pakistani Embassy in Mexico City to protest against trade union repression in Pakistan.
Mexico Picket Against Trade Union Repression in Pakistan Report of the picket outside the Pakistani Embassy in Mexico City to protest against trade union repression in Pakistan.
Afghanistan: "The Marines have landed" "The Marines have landed and the situation is under control." This kind of headline was very common in the 1930s, when the USA had a habit of intervening with tedious regularity in the territory of small states in Central America. Now history seems to be repeating itself - but with a difference. The marines referred to here are, of course, American. While the US marine corps is grabbing the headlines of the world press, a couple of hundred British marines are kicking their heels on the outskirts of Bagram airstrip, while a couple of thousand of their comrades are kept hanging around on army bases in Britain, unloved and unwanted, while Tony Blair fumes in impotent humiliation.
Turkish Workers' Solidarity with Pakistani Workers We have received the following solidarity declaration addressed to the Pakistan workers from a group of trade union activists in Turkey.
Victory of Quetta workers! We have just received the following report from Quetta, Baluchistan. The strikers of the public sector CSEA union, after a hard strike in which over 100 workers were arrested, have won an outstanding victory.
Report of Lal Khan's Speaking Tour of Spain This short tour of Spain by PTUDC leader Lal Khan has been a huge success. He spoke to around 500 people in six meetings and 170,000 pesetas (more than $900) was raised in the collections.
Victory of Quetta workers! We have just received the following report from Quetta, Baluchistan. The strikers of the public sector CSEA union, after a hard strike in which over 100 workers were arrested, have won an outstanding victory.
Turkish Workers' Solidarity with Pakistani Workers We have received the following solidarity declaration addressed to the Pakistan workers from a group of trade union activists in Turkey.
Historic victory for Pakistan workers: Hameed Khan and 100 workers released! Complete victory for the International Campaign! The authorities in Baluchistan have released the arrested leaders and workers today. But the strike is still continuing. The decision on the future of the strike will be made tomorrow, when it is expected that the finance minister of Baluchistan will announce a package which spells acceptance of the workers' demands. In short, this victory is a great step forward for PTUDC and for the whole Pakistan Labour Movement.
Historic victory for Pakistan workers: Hameed Khan and 100 workers released! Complete victory for the International Campaign! The authorities in Baluchistan have released the arrested leaders and workers today. But the strike is still continuing. The decision on the future of the strike will be made tomorrow, when it is expected that the finance minister of Baluchistan will announce a package which spells acceptance of the workers' demands. In short, this victory is a great step forward for PTUDC and for the whole Pakistan Labour Movement.
The Workers' Plight in Pakistan The Pakistan Trade Union Defence Campaign national organiser, Khalid Bhatti, reports on what the situation is like for workers in Pakistan and the role of the PTUDC in fighting for workers' and trade union rights.
