MESSAGE FROM THE WORKERS PARTY OF IRELAND TO THE COMMUNIST PARTY OF PAKISTAN ON THE OCCASION OF THE IX CONGRESS OF THE CPP

Dear Comrades,

The Workers Party of Ireland sends warm comradely greetings to the Communist Party of Pakistan on the occasion of your 9th Congress.

Your Congress takes place at a time of increasing imperialist aggression and continuing capitalist crisis. The attacks on the living conditions of the working class; increasing poverty; inadequate social protection; dangerous working conditions; the imposition of further constraints on health, education, public employment and the provision of public services; privatisation; the continuation of bonded and forced labour; appalling conditions for workers in the textile industry; child labour; the persistent violation of international labour conventions; the lack of gender equality; the undermining of political opposition and trade union activity; and exploitation by foreign capital all serve to further increase the opportunities for profit for the monopolies.

The Communist Party of Pakistan has stood bravely in difficult and dangerous conditions against right and extremist forces which have attempted to divide workers, threaten women, communities and minorities and which attack secularism, democracy and basic rights. The CPP has waged this struggle in the face of state repression, growing religious fundamentalism, extremist militant ideology and violent terrorist acts.

We have no doubt that the communists of Pakistan will continue their courageous and principled position in the the struggle to defend workers, small farmers and the poor. The WPI shares with the CPP the vision that it is only through the abolition of the capitalist system and the construction of socialism that the interests of the peoples, the workers and their families can be guaranteed.

The Workers Party of Ireland believes that it is vital that the international communist and workers’ parties strengthen their co-operation and active solidarity. The WPI wishes the CPP success in your discussions at this 9th Congress and in the continuing work of your Party. The WPI conveys its greetings and solidarity to the Congress and to the leadership and cadres of the CPP. We look forward to the strengthening of relations between our two parties.

Gerry Grainger

International Secretary

Central Executive Committee

Workers Party of Ireland

March 2016