The Caretaker Punjab Minister for Labour Manpower Shahzad Azam Khan has said that elections would be held in fair, free and transparent manners on February 18, in the country. The government was making strenuous efforts for developing congenial political environment to ensure holding of confrontation-free polls in the country, he added.
Addressing the members of Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers Association North Zone (PHMA-NZ) here on Tuesday he stressed upon the people that they should take active part in the upcoming general elections for the formulation of strong and stable democratic government in the country.
The minister said that government was making all out efforts for resolving the problems of industrial workers pertaining to accommodation, health and education on top priority basis. He stated that labour complexes and social security hospitals were being constructed in major industrial towns to facilitate the workers of the Punjab.
About the Social security hospital Sialkot he said that it would be operational by March next and extra-ordinary efforts would be made for setting up a burn unit in social security hospital Sialkot. He stressed upon the business community of the area to concentrate on increasing the export volume and fetch maximum foreign exchange for the country, which is direly needed at this juncture.
Undoubtedly, the electricity load-shedding and low pressure of gas was hindering the manufacturing sector, as a result of which exporters and manufacturers were suffering ultimately adversely affecting the national economy, he added. The Minister however assured the business community of Sialkot that their problems would be resolved on top priority basis.
In his address of welcome Vice Chairman Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers Association North Zone Zia-ur-Rehman said that to remain competitive in international market there is great need of low cost raw materials and skilled labour. The industry was facing shortage of skilled labour and unavailability of cheap, good quality raw material. If the situation remained the same the industry will collapse.
Zia further said that it is high time for developing training centres to enhance the skills of industrial workers for sportswear industry adding that it is only possible with the government support. Later, the Minister visited the social security hospital and directed the officials to speed up the construction work.