Karachi: It is a relief for the private sector that the efforts and awareness created last time for unnecessary Eid Holidays granted by the government was proved to be fruitful and the Federal caretakers took a wise decision this time around. Chairman Salt Manufacturers Association of Pakistan (SMAP) Ismail Suttar appreciates the government for taking immediate attention to the requests made by industrial stakeholders and the business community.
Two days of Eid holidays grant is enough for the citizens in such horrid economic conditions. It is important for us as a nation to resume offices early in order to start business and financial transactions at earliest. The day of ceasing the economy is looming over our heads and the time has long gone where we could afford exclusive holidays, todays situation demands us to be extra vigilant and hardworking than ever before if we wish to come out of this economic turmoil. “I am glad that the government took heed of this situation and considered the wellness of industrialists unlike last time at the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.” says Ismail.
“Pakistan is at the brink of default with our exports declining drastically and delaying any inflow of dollars by introducing too many idle holidays will push us down to the default line too quickly. We must not waste a day in bringing the influx of foreign exchange. The business community is delighted to hear that only two days’ Eid holiday is granted by the government in such tough financial times, this way we will be able to resume our operations immediately and start bank transactions.”
Ismail explains that the private sector understands the value of holidays for workers where they wish to return to their homes to celebrate Eid with their families but in times like these when the companies are struggling to roll off their monthly pay cheques, extra holidays were only a cause of delaying their own salaries.
“Public sectors yearn for extra holidays, but the private sector is the backbone of the economy and as much as we stakeholder wishes to give time off to our employees, the latter is struggling day and night to counter rising inflation and diminishing exports. Therefore, the private sector should be considered separately when coming to any final decree,” he said.
On behalf of the Salt Manufacturers and Exporters Community, I am thankful to the government for being cautious of our situation and making a practical decision, says Ismail. We hope that from next time onwards the government will engage business communities and industrial Associations in making such important decisions that are mutually agreeable and favorable for Pakistan.
