Faisalabad on Strike : Millions Suffering
By Dr. Hassan Isfahani • Jul 12th, 2008 • Category: Politics, Worth A Second Look • (4,072 views) • 9 CommentsFaisalabad is called as the Manchester of Pakistan, though there is no similarity or competition whatsoever. It never was, but at least prior to this week, small and large scale business was thriving in the city, and it is perhaps Pakistan’s only country with a pure business and industry outlook, and the city which contributes huge amount of financial support to the national exchequer after Karachi.
Due to the exorbitant hike in the tariffs of gas and electricity, Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry gave a call of strike, and the business activities stand paralyzed in the city, and around 15,000 textile factories have gone on strike, while thousands of power looms owners have also joined the strike. As the factories remain closed, hundreds of thousands of daily wages employees of these factories are nail-bitingly trying to arrange bread for their children. These laborers know nothing else and they are in huge trouble.
Due to the disinterest and apathy of the government, there is no solution in sight, and the problem is worsening as 14 major associations of industries and trade, including the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), threatened to go for an indefinite shutdown if the government did not annul increases in prices of gas and electricity by July 18. The signs are very alarming as things are moving towards a complete stand still in the country.
The economic situation in the country is already at it’s worst. There is no foreign investment whatsoever, and the balance of imports and exports is disturbed beyond repair. There is no new business activities and now the existing businesses are also closing down. Rising demand, falling supply, five-time increases in oil prices over the past few months and surging energy costs have pushed prices of essential food items to an unprecedented level, choking the purchasing power of middle and lower income groups. Inflation has jumped to an all-time high of 12 per cent during the outgoing fiscal year (2007-08) from 7.7 per cent in the previous year on the back of spiralling food and energy prices.
The claims by both industrialists and the government are that they are providing jobs to the people. So it’s the duty of both to come forward and join hands and find out some common grounds as soon as possible, while not shunning the businesses altogether. It is said that industrialists are endeavoring to render jobs to workers, which enabled them to feed their families and the government also claims to pursue the same objective. Therefore, both stake holders should work together to strengthen economy and work for people’s welfare
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Dr. Hassan Isfahani
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July 12th, 2008
this city played vital role in Pakistan growth but always ignored as far development was concerned. Major industry is closed now. Textile is shifting to bangladesh. People are getting unemployed. How they can work without electric. They installed gas generators, government increased rate too. We are drowning.
July 13th, 2008
well its the entire country in problems isn’t it! but then we keep talking about it but dont really have a solution to it. what solution could it be?
just like small companies get taken over in the corporate world…how about saudi taking over pakistan? full saudi laws in the country…riyal chalna shuroo hojaye! females’ cna’t go out without an abhaya…what ever happens..it only happens underground! and then at least we dont have to worry about petrol!!
July 13th, 2008
Production loss of Rs850 million and 25 per cent decrease in export consignments was witnessed on the first day (July 11) of protest movement launched by textile exporters and manufacturing units at Faisalabad.
Is there anybody to resolve the issue from the authorities?
July 13th, 2008
The economic bubbles of the Shaukat Aziz era are bursting one by one.
July 13th, 2008
and what about insane and hypocrite govt we have today
with asif zardari as our leader this country will be in pieces in no time
bring on taliban revolution and make pakistan the iran .
July 13th, 2008
Why should the country be in pieces? I fail to see logic of this. A government which is elected by the people, if fails can be replaced, why do we have to consider destruction of our country. Can someone help me understand this, please?
July 13th, 2008
Dear Aftab,
Pakistan will remain as it is on the globe and the government will be replaced but I do not see the next goverment doing anything for the betterment of this country. What do you think? Who will be next? Nawaz? And after Nawaz who will be there for us? Again Zardari? Until when will we be playing this teeter-totter game.
July 13th, 2008
Aftab - how do we replace it and when? what happens in the country is guidance from Zardari…is this what you call a democratic government?
and Mr. Kamal…stop playing the blame game. this is what everyone does…start blaming the previous government…agar itna hi bura tha tau us kay dor may kiun nahin tha yeh sab?
July 15th, 2008
Naeem, I think the process has already started. For democracy to work there has to be active public participation and I do sense a remarkable difference in public attitude. You notice a great sense of urgency, people are monetering what is going on; they are already showing their disgust and disapproval - it now appears as we message is being loudly conveyed either deliver or get out. Onl, I had wished that Nawaz and his party had been more cooperative; they should have actively participated in what they had initially committed to. A bit of patience would have done it, I fail to understand the the appearnce of only ‘goal’ to get to the top slot. After all if they have a better plan or vission then also in coalition they could deliver and people would see their performance.
Mustafa, I don’t really have any reason for complete hopelessness. Some quick back and forth, change of governments, must do the trick. I remember the quick change of parties and governments in various countries, which are today considered as mature democracies. The system usually has a built in weeding out process and it has worked in other countries and must work here too.