There was no issue of the paper on May 2, 1974, on account of the May Day holiday. The excerpt below is taken from the previous day’s edition.

EDITORIAL: The workers of the world are today demonstrating their solidarity in the struggle for social progress and economic justice. Being celebrated as a national holiday for the third time, May Day is beginning to assume an institutional character in Pakistan. … In developing countries like Pakistan, trade union movements and the workers’ awareness of their bargaining power are of recent origin. But when the Pakistani workers do their traditional stock-taking today, they will find that they too have made progress. …

That May Day is now being celebrated under official patronage is indicative of an amiable relationship between the workers and the Government. … Numerous measures have been taken by the present regime to improve labour’s working conditions and secure for them better wages and adequate security of service. … Ultimately, however, much will depend on their level of awareness and the degree of their organisation. In order to improve their lot further … the workers need mature and sincere leaders and activists and unity in their ranks.

Published in Dawn, May 2nd, 2024