1972 Karachi labour unrest

[2] Yahya Khan's military regime continued to repress labor movements, imposing strict controls to prevent strikes and lockouts.

Early 1972 saw a surge in labor activism, with notable incidents such as the occupation of Dawood Mills in Karachi, led by Aziz-ul-Hasan and Riaz Ahmed.

[5] On June 7, the state responded by ordering police to fire on peaceful protesters, resulting in the deaths of three workers, including Shoaib Khan, a leading figure in the Muttahida Mazdoor Federation.

[10] Dawn reported that the conflict began over wage demands in a government-run machine tool factory which then spread to nearby textile mills.

[11] Trade unionist Karamat Ali later explained that these protests erupted because workers, inspired by Bhutto's campaign promises, expected more comprehensive reforms than the labor policy announced in February 1972.

[10][12] In October 1974, Bhutto further restricted trade unions through a presidential ordinance, earning praise from the industrial sector for its effectiveness in curbing labor activities.

[13] In 1977, Bhutto's regime was overthrown by Muhammad Zia-ul-Haq, marking an even darker period for labor rights as Zia intensified the repression of trade unions.