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 by the government in such a crippling economic crisis Pakistan is facing.
In a statement issued, Chairman SMAP contacted 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 m no sense in realising Pakistan’s current economic crisis. We cannot afford to put financial transactions on hold for extra 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 considering any suggestions from the Industrialists,” says Chairman SMAP.
“Although it seems to be very exciting news for government employees who wish to return 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 is the backbone of the country at the moment.”
He believed that 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 delays in payments which put daily wagers in distress.
Ismail said that if the decision can’t be reversed, it should not apply to the private sector since the industries are striving hard to earn dollars for the country. Still, 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.”
He urges the government to make amendments to the decision at the earliest to avoid any further damage to the economy of Pakistan.