PAKISTAN: LPP organises 5000 strong anti-WTO rally (updated)

Thousands of Labour Party Pakistan (LPP) activists demonstrated in Lahore on December 6 against the imperialist onslaught of privatisation and the World Trade Organisation, on the eve of the WTO ministerial meeting in Hong Kong.

Trade union activists and workers joined the rally, raising slogans against US imperialism, military dictatorship, privatisation, the brick kiln bosses and the WTO.

Speakers representing the LPP noted that the WTO negotiations are dominated by rich countries and their corporate lobbying groups, and aren't producing any fruitful results for developing countries. It noted that the process is un-democratic and non-transparent and that all the key decisions are being taken in small group meetings influenced by rich countries like the US and the European Union. The LPP called for the WTO conference to be derailed.

The rally was also addressed by a range of activists and union leaders and various unions, women and youth groups participated in the protest.

From Green Left Weekly, December 7, 2005.

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From GLW issue 652