LAHORE: The government should take supportive measures on war footings to keep the wheels of industry moving and secure jobs of millions.
These views were expressed by the PHMA Vice Chairman Shafiq Butt in a meeting held here at PHMA zonal office. The meeting was also attended by the office-bearers and members of the Association.
He asked the government to announce an instant relief package to retain millions of workers employment in textile sector during shutdown period, as the industry is considering to lay off workers following the cancellation of export orders.
With a view to avoid unemployment in industry the government should announce a relief package to support workers during shutdown period, as industry is unable to pay them due to liquidity crunch amidst non-payment of sales tax refunds, he suggested.
Shafiq Butt said that the industry has started giving notices to employees for layoffs. This trend will culminate into unemployment of hundreds of thousands of workers at a time when millions of youth are already unemployed. The government will have to announce immediate relief for the industry as exports shipments to Europe and the USA are being suspended owing to closure of international borders due to Coronavirus threats.
The PHMA is highly perturbed over adverse impacts of Coronavirus outbreak, as foreign buyers have started deferring export orders, resulting into closure of export industry widely, causing a massive unemployment, which can be managed only through government support.
He expressed grave concern over adverse impacts of coronavirus pandemic on economy and industrial sectors, fully supporting the state machinery steps in this regard.
