The Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PRGMEA) has urged the government to exempt the export-oriented units in Punjab from lockdown restrictions on Saturdays too, besides allowing them to work in two shifts to complete their export orders under full SOPs.

In a joint statement, PRGMEA regional chairman Sohail A. Sheikh and chief coordinator Ijaz A. Khokhar observed that the export-oriented units are fully conscientious of Covid-19 and are strictly following the standard operating procedures of the government.

They said that the implementation of the social distancing during industrial operations can be observed in a better way in two shifts without reducing the size of the workforce to avoid massive unemployment in this crucial time.

They said that exporters are highly perturbed and want to complete their pending export orders. The enhanced working days will allow them to complete export consignments and send shipments to avoid colossal financial losses.

Sohail said the government has taken an appreciable step by allowing operations to the export-oriented industries and this relief should be extended also on Saturdays, besides allowing working at least in two shifts, as the foreign exchange earning industry may suffer up to 30 per cent dent in export in present circumstances.

“The export industry is the backbone of the economy and playing a great role in providing employment and revenue”, he said and added that allowing two shifts and enhancing working days would be a great favour that would enable them to face the challenges posed by coronavirus.