Workers early vaccination urged
May 6, 2021
KARACHI: The Employers’ Federation of Pakistan (EFP) has demanded the government to immediately vaccinate industrial workers, a statement said on Wednesday.
EFP President Ismail Suttar lauded the government’s commitment to vaccinate health workers across the country and said that the economy is undergoing a very difficult phase.
On the one hand, Pakistan is gaining ground on exports, while on the other, it is fighting a constant economic war with regional competitors to maintain the rhythm and momentum of the current export level, he said.
“It can easily be seen that only a certain segment of the society [the upper-middle class] is interested in availing of COVID vaccinations.
Industrial sector to cut 15-20% jobs after Eid
Slowdown in industrial production due to third wave of Covid-19 to fuel lay-offs
KARACHI:
Industrialists are preparing to slash 15-20% jobs after Eidul Fitr in the wake of slowdown in industrial production amid third wave of Covid-19 pandemic in Pakistan, The Express Tribune learnt on the International Labour Day on Saturday.
The estimated number of layoffs, of 15-20%, translates into millions, considering the industrial sector of the economy provides job opportunities to around 21% of the total labour force.
“Initially, we estimate 15-20% layoffs after Eid, however, the actual number of layoffs may be much higher than the initial estimates,” said Employers’ Federation of Pakistan (EFP) former president Majyd Aziz.
Industrialists term extended Eid holidays dangerous to anemic growth
Business
May 2, 2021
KARACHI: Industrialists on Saturday came hard on a government’s decision to announce extended holidays for upcoming Eid celebration and demanded sensible steps from the policymakers for the weak economy that couldn’t afford long shutdown.
All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) Patron-in-Chief Gohar Ejaz rejected the decision of Eidul Fitr public holidays from 10th to 16th May.
“This will bring the whole country practically shut down for 10 days from Saturday, 8th May to Monday 17th May 2021. Shutting down the country for 10 consecutive days is unacceptable as it would create a lot of glitches for the economy, industries, particularly the exporters who will not be able to dispatch their shipments abroad due to the complete closure of banks, ports, customs, and all other departments during excessive holidays,” Ejaz said.
Say closure of factories, businesses will have serious economic and social consequences
Traders and shopkeepers hold a protest demonstration on Murree Road against the publication of blasphemous cartoon in France. PHOTO: APP
KARACHI:
Traders and industrialists have voiced criticism against long Eid Holidays and directives for a lockdown during this period citing that closure of factories and businesses will have serious economic and social consequences.
The Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers’ Association (PPMA) has rejected six days holiday for Eidul Fitr announced by the government.
In a statement on Saturday, Pakistan Pharmaceutical Manufacturers Association (PPMA) former chairman Dr Kaiser Waheed stressed that the pharmaceutical industry should not be subjected to prolonged closure during Eid.
Daily Times
May 2, 2021
Ismail Suttar, President, Employers’ Federation of Pakistan (EFP), has expressed concern over the recent decision of National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC) to allow for an eight days-long Eid ul Fitr holiday, citing that the business community of Pakistan is already working on limited hours as per the Ramazan schedule and facing difficulties in meeting expectations of buyers for timely delivery and management of supply chains. Furthermore, the expected lockdown in the month of May, he claimed, has already disturbed future planning for the export-oriented industry. He argued that there is need to abolish the culture of long public holidays and twice weekly off as it results in the suspension of banking services and port operations that multiplies the losses for the business community and as well as the national exchequer.