KARACHI: Ismail Suttar, Chairman Salt Manufacturers Association of Pakistan (SMAP), while totally rejecting excessive holidays for Eid ul Fitr, stated that the five days of Eid holidays is a highly inefficient decision notified from the government in such crippling economic crises Pakistan is facing.
In a statement issued, Chairman SMAP reaches out to the government for immediate attention to notices released regarding Eid Holidays. He elaborates that Eid is the day of celebration for all Muslim communities, a time to get together especially with loved ones, but associating too many holidays with the occasion makes absolutely no sense realizing the current economic crisis of Pakistan. We cannot afford to put financial transactions on hold for any extra number of days.
On behalf of the Salt Manufacturers and Exporters Community, I am deeply concerned about the business loss the private sector will face because of the notification. “The government has taken another important decision without taking into account any suggestions from the Industrialists” says Chairman SMAP.
“Although it seems to be very exciting news for government employees who wish to return back to their cities and homes on this auspicious occasion however, the current situation doesn’t allow us to partake in any exclusive holidays especially for the private sector who is the backbone of the country at the moment.”
He was of the view that the routine tasks are already slowed down during the holy month of Ramadan especially exports and bank clearance related that put many trading transactions on hold creating delay in payments which put daily wagers in distress.
Ismail said that if it is not possible for the decision to be reversed then it should not be applicable for the private sector since the industries are striving hard to earn dollars for the country but the caretakers of this country have other plans. “We have to get serious now and stop making ambiguous decisions to please the masses for a short period of time.”
He urges the government to make amendments in the decision at the earliest to avoid any further damage to the economy of Pakistan.
