10-day closure of factories and businesses will have serious economic and social consequences, Gohar Ejaz

The Patron in Chief of All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA), Mr. Gohar Ejaz has rejected the decision of the Government for the Eid ul Fitr holidays from 10^th to 16^th May 2021.

While expressing his concerns, Mr. Ejaz stated that this will bring the whole country practically shut down for 10 days from Saturday, 8^th May to Monday 17^th May 2021.

Impact on the Economy

He said that 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.

He additionally warned that we cannot afford such extended holidays as they will result in giving losses of up to billions of rupees to the national exchequer and terribly affect business activities particularly the exports.

Read More: APTMA warns any interference in free market mechanism will disrupt exports

Simultaneously, it will badly affect and deprive the daily wage earners of the country of their desperately needed earnings for continuous 10 days. Workers will find it impossible to feed their families creating a social disaster.

He particularly highlighted the Textile Industry that despite the issues and hardship, committed to double the exports. Textile manufacturers have orders in hand and are working day and night to dispatch shipments according to the agreed schedule. This decision will end up in the cancellation of orders which will not only result in losses to manufacturers but also to the country.

The better alternative

Keeping in view the social and overall business climate and economic crises being faced by the country, Mr. Gohar Ejaz requested the Government to review the decision of 10 day closure due to Eid ul Fitr holidays from 10^th to 16^th May 2021.

The holidays should only be from 13^th to 16^th May 2021. The government should not shut down production and transportation for 10 days as the country simply cannot sustain such production and export loss.

Read More: Raise Minimum Wage by 20% – Gohar Ejaz of APTMA