The business community has demanded that the government conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the tragic fire incident at the garments factory in which around 300 people lost their lives to ensure whether it was sabotage or the outcome of extortionist's threats or negligence on the part of the owners of the factory.
They also demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident, so that responsibility could be fixed. The gap in trust can only be bridged if a report of the investigation is made public as early as possible and those found responsible for the negligence are punished accordingly. They also expressed the fear that the tragic fire incident at the garment unit may hurt the image of the country in the world market.
They further said that the incident would bring into focus the non-compliance of labour safety standards, thus reluctant buyers in the West would feel uncomfortable trading with Pakistan. Chairman, Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), Ehteshamuddin said that the incident had sent a negative signal abroad and expressed the fear that foreign buyers may become careful, in the future, in placing orders
He said that there are many reports about the incident, including those that say it was an incident of sabotage, and the result of a clash of two groups, the boiler exploded, doors were locked etc. He emphasised the need for a through investigation of the incident and that the findings be made public.
He said that the possibility exists that it may be a sabotage because industries and traders are already receiving threats of kidnapping for ransom and killing. Chairman, FB Area Association of Trade and Industry (FBATI), Masroor Ahmed Alvi said that the way in which the incident was reported in the electronic and print media may create doubts in the minds of foreign buyers.
He added that the reports by the media would bring serious repercussions and affect the country's image abroad. And expressed the fear that exporters may face big problems in coming days if a through investigation is not conducted and those responsible are not unpunished after the findings are made public. He pointed out that exporters are careful to meet all standards, especially fire-related issues, like exit and emergency exits, fire extinguishers, emergency plans, etc.
Chairman, North Karachi Association of Trade and Industry (NKATI), Abdul Rasheed Fodderwala demanded a complete judicial inquiry into the incident to fix responsibility. He said that members of the business community should be taken onboard in the inquiry committee. He said it may be an incorrect impression that the garment factory had only one exit. The factual position is that the units have other exists but they may have been locked. Under safety standards certification, the first things that are considered are the exit doors, fire extinguishers.
Garment exports may suffer heavily as foreign buyers may feel that most industries are not following safety standards for their employees, he observed. Meanwhile in a statement, Chairman Businessmen Group and former president KCCI, Mr Siraj Kassam Teli, Vice Chairmen BMG and former presidents KCCI, Tahir Khaliq, Zubair Motiwala, Haroon Farooki, Anjum Nisar, President Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mian Abrar Ahmad, Senior Vice President Younus Muhammad Bashir, Vice President Zia Ahmed Khan and managing committee members of KCCI, expressed their deep sorrow over the tragic loss of hundreds of precious human lives and injuries caused by the gruesome inferno at a factory in Karachi.
They offered heartfelt condolences and expressed their deep sympathy with the aggrieved and bereaved families, extending their full support to them in this hour of turmoil and trial. And prayed that Almighty Allah shower His blessings on the departed souls and give courage to the bereaved families to bear the loss. They also prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
They demanded that the government provide relief and monetary support to the affectees although there was no alternate for human lives but the suffering of the bereaved somehow can be reduced in this way. They said that negligence on the part of various government agencies responsible for implementing safety measures was also evident. And stated that concerned government departments on a monthly basis extort money from the industrialists to implement the rules yet do not pay attention to their real implementation.
They wondered how a factory without proper and requisite safety arrangements to ensure the protection of workers lives, had been allowed to continue working, which was a mockery of the existing laws. And they called for a thorough and impartial investigated to ensure whether it were sabotage or the outcome of extortionists threats as has appeared in a section of the press or negligence on the part of the factory owner.
They warned that this incident would give a bad name to the country and would further become a propaganda tool in the hands of those who never miss a chance to defame and distort the image of Pakistan. If timely action was not taken to address the shortcomings that caused this gruesome incident and those found guilty were not taken to task, and the necessary reforms not introduced, this would put a negative impact on Pakistani exports, which are already in decline due to a number of reasons. The fire brigade system was not up to the required standards, they opined and it was high time that the whole system was reviewed and revamped to meet international safety standards.
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