Resources for Pakistan Accord Covered Factories
Accord
Explore essential resources and information for all factories covered under the Pakistan Accord on this page.
Related updates
35 signatories to the International Accord have signed the Pakistan Accord to ensure worker safety in the country’s textile and garment industry.
The International Accord organised a virtual side session on 13 February as a part of the OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector to discuss the challenges & opportunities for the recently launched Pakistan Accord.
Accord Steering Committee member brands BESTSELLER, C&A, H&M, Inditex, Otto Group, and PVH Corp. have signed the Pakistan Accord.
Ten years after the first Accord was signed, the Accord Secretariat reflects on the progress in worker safety in the past decade and our vision for the future.
A total of 54 brands and retailers have thus far signed the Pakistan Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry, with more expected to follow in the coming weeks.
The Accord commemorates 10 years since the Rana Plaza collapse by remembering those who perished, those who were injured, and those who continue living with the impacts of one of the worst workplace disasters in modern history.
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Pakistan Accord Holds its first All Employee Meeting in Pakistan
Accord
On 26 and 27 November 2024 the Pakistan Accord conducted its inaugural safety training meeting in Pakistan at Union Fabrics (Pvt.) Limited, a home textile manufacturing facility located in Karachi. The meeting was attended by all employees of the factory.
Opening remarks
During the opening remarks of the kick-off training session, Kirstine Drew, Chief Complaints Officer at Accord Pakistan, first provided an overview of the Pakistan Accord program in Pakistan.
Zulfiqar Shah, Country Manager of Pakistan Accord, later addressed the attendees, underlining the importance of the Safety Training Program.
Training sessions
The topic of the training was ‘Rights and Responsibilities under the Pakistan Accord and Introduction to the Safety Committee’. During the training, Safety Committee members were introduced to the participants and given the opportunity to explain their roles and responsibilities for safety and health within the factory.
Six sessions were held over two days, with active participation from the workers. The sessions were led by three members of the Pakistan Accord Training team: Mr. Numair Aman, Mr. Abdul Qadir and Mr. Murtuza Ahmed.
All participants were provided with a booklet on the rights and responsibilities of workers under the Pakistan Accord. Posters and large Panaflex banners describing the role of the Safety Committee and providing contact information for the Pakistan Accord were posted in strategic locations throughout the facility, including the worker canteen, main gate, and assembly points.
The sessions were conducted in Urdu and all accompanying materials printed in Urdu.
The Pakistan Accord extends its gratitude to the management of Union Fabrics for its support in facilitating the first Pakistan Accord All Employee Meeting in Pakistan.
Resources:
Related updates
35 signatories to the International Accord have signed the Pakistan Accord to ensure worker safety in the country’s textile and garment industry.
The International Accord organised a virtual side session on 13 February as a part of the OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector to discuss the challenges & opportunities for the recently launched Pakistan Accord.
Accord Steering Committee member brands BESTSELLER, C&A, H&M, Inditex, Otto Group, and PVH Corp. have signed the Pakistan Accord.
Ten years after the first Accord was signed, the Accord Secretariat reflects on the progress in worker safety in the past decade and our vision for the future.
A total of 54 brands and retailers have thus far signed the Pakistan Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry, with more expected to follow in the coming weeks.
The Accord commemorates 10 years since the Rana Plaza collapse by remembering those who perished, those who were injured, and those who continue living with the impacts of one of the worst workplace disasters in modern history.
Follow us on social media
Pakistan Accord: Supplier Briefing #5
Supplier Briefing #5
These briefings are designed for all factories and suppliers listed by Pakistan Accord signatory brands. They include updates on key developments under the Pakistan Accord, along with information on upcoming events, guidance materials, and resources for suppliers.
We encourage all suppliers and factories covered by the Pakistan Accord to read these briefings and to share suggestions on what they would like to see in them by contacting us via pakistan.factories@internationalaccord.org.
This briefing includes updates on:
- Coverage: Number of Signatory Brands, Covered Factories and Workers
- Program Rollout: Inspections and Remediation, Workplace Program
- Events: Needs Assessment Workshop
- Implementation: Hiring Update & Vacancies
Number of Signatory Brands, Covered Factories and Workers
At the time of writing this briefing, 128 global brands sourcing textiles and garments from Pakistan have signed the Pakistan Accord and committed to working with their suppliers to ensure workplace health and safety. The latest brands to sign the Pakistan Accord include Fatface Ltd., Outerstuff LLC, Image International Limited, Pel Industries, among others.
The Pakistan Accord signatory brands are headquartered in 18 countries across Europe, the USA, Australia, Hong Kong, Turkey and Japan, and include some of the world’s largest clothing brands and retailers. Collectively, these brands source approximately US$3 billion worth of goods from over 500 suppliers in Pakistan employing over 574,000 workers.
View the latest list of Pakistan Accord signatories.
View the list of factories participating in the Pakistan Accord programs.
Program Rollout
Factory Inspections and Remediation
Inspections
85 garment and textile factories in Karachi, Lahore, and Faisalabad covered under the Pakistan Accord have been inspected on fire, electrical, and structural safety. By September, the Accord expects to conduct initial inspections at 100 factories. All factories are being inspected against the Pakistan Accord Building Standard (Standard) that establishes minimum life safety criteria to reduce danger to life from fire, structural, electrical, and boiler hazards as well as safety risks relating to the storage, use, and handling of hazardous substances.
Remediation
CAP Template Launch Webinar – June 2024:
The Pakistan Accord Secretariat organised a briefing session on 11 June for the first 50 inspected factories. This session introduced the purpose, steps, and roles of brands and suppliers in the technical finalisation of the factory Corrective Action Plans (CAPs). With support from the Pakistan Accord Secretariat, inspected factories develop a CAP and agree on timelines to address the remediation of safety findings in a timely and effective manner.
The webinar included technical insights on the CAP templates by George Faller, Chief Safety Officer, and updates on the rollout of the inspections program by Zulfiqar Shah, Country Manager of the Pakistan Accord. The session was moderated by Farhat Fatima, the Remediation Department Manager for the Pakistan Accord.
We thank the over 60 representatives of garment factories from Karachi, Lahore, and Faisalabad for participating in the webinar. The Pakistan Accord Secretariat intends to organise more such webinars for suppliers to explain the CAP development process.
Finance Plan Briefing for Suppliers – August 2024:
The Pakistan Accord Secretariat conducted a briefing session to a first group of inspected factories, offering insights into the Accord’s financing remediation policies. During the session, participants were introduced to the Finance Plan Guidance developed by the Secretariat to support factories in the financial planning of their remediation works. This Guidance offers tools, including Remediation and Finance Schedule Templates, designed to support factories in aligning remediation costs with the timelines in their CAPs.
The Pakistan Accord Secretariat will gather feedback on the guidance document and finance planning tools from this first group of factories, addressing any challenges or gaps, before it is rolled out to all covered factories in the coming months.
Workplace Program
Following stakeholder consultations on the design and curriculum over the past few months, the Pakistan Accord Secretariat hosted an informational briefing session on the rollout of its Workplace Program on August 19, 2024, in Karachi. The Workplace Program, which includes Safety Training and a Complaints Mechanism at covered factories, is a key component of the Pakistan Accord. It aims to build the capacity of joint labour-management Safety Committees to maintain safe workplaces, raise workers’ awareness of safety and health, ensure compliance with OSH-related requirements, and provide workers with access to remedy.
The event featured a panel discussion and a detailed briefing, providing participants with an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback. Over 70 participants representing 30 covered factories attended the orientation session. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) also attended as special invitees.
The Pakistan Accord Secretariat is planning to organise similar informational sessions with additional factories as the program is rolled out in Lahore and Karachi.
Events
Needs Assessment Workshops – August 2024
The Pakistan Accord Secretariat and ARUP, an international engineering firm, organised two needs assessment workshops during the week of 5 August 2024 in Karachi and Lahore. The goal of the workshops is to support local government capabilities in implementing and enforcing health and safety in Pakistan’s textile and garment industry by developing a targeted training program for the relevant Sindh and Punjab government agencies.
These interactive sessions brought together engineers and key government stakeholders, including Pakistan’s emergency services 1122, the Karachi Municipal Corporation, local building control authorities, and the Departments of Labour and Human Resources, among others. The workshops served as an engaging platform for exchanging information and fostering collaboration among various actors and agencies. Participants critically examined the regulatory framework of building safety, discussed certification and monitoring processes, and identified opportunities for synergy.
Implementation
The Pakistan Accord is in the process of building and training local teams in Karachi and Lahore to ensure the effective implementation of its programs in coordination with covered suppliers and brands. The team has recently hired a new batch of fire, structural and electrical engineers to join the Inspections & Remediation Department as well as training and complaints specialists to join the Workplace Programs Department. Further recruitment of boiler safety experts, training and complaints specialists, and additional support staff is currently in progress. The latest vacancies under the Pakistan Accord are available on the Accord website.
Resources
Stay in Touch
Related updates
35 signatories to the International Accord have signed the Pakistan Accord to ensure worker safety in the country’s textile and garment industry.
The International Accord organised a virtual side session on 13 February as a part of the OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector to discuss the challenges & opportunities for the recently launched Pakistan Accord.
Accord Steering Committee member brands BESTSELLER, C&A, H&M, Inditex, Otto Group, and PVH Corp. have signed the Pakistan Accord.
Ten years after the first Accord was signed, the Accord Secretariat reflects on the progress in worker safety in the past decade and our vision for the future.
A total of 54 brands and retailers have thus far signed the Pakistan Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry, with more expected to follow in the coming weeks.
The Accord commemorates 10 years since the Rana Plaza collapse by remembering those who perished, those who were injured, and those who continue living with the impacts of one of the worst workplace disasters in modern history.
Follow us on social media
Rollout of Pakistan Accord Workplace Programs
Accord
The Pakistan Accord Secretariat hosted a briefing on the rollout of Workplace Programs on August 19, 2024, in Karachi. Over 70 participants representing 30 covered factories attended the orientation session. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) also attended the session as special invitees.
The event featured a panel discussion and a detailed briefing, providing participants with an opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback.
The Workplace Program, which includes Safety Training and a Complaints Mechanism at covered factories, is a key component of the Pakistan Accord. It aims to help build the capacity of joint labour management Safety Committees to maintain safe workplaces, raise workers’ awareness of safety and health, ensure compliance with OSH-related requirements, and provide workers with access to remedies.
Zulfiqar Shah, Country Manager of the Pakistan Accord, highlighted the importance of workplace safety in his opening remarks. He also expressed appreciation for the cooperation extended by key stakeholders, particularly the factories.
He provided an update to the participants, stating that the Pakistan Accord on Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry, a legally binding agreement between global brands and unions, took effect in January 2023. To date,128 brands that collectively source over $3 billion worth of goods from 500 factories in Pakistan’s Sindh and Punjab provinces have signed the agreement. The program aims to reach over 500,000 workers through its safety training program and has conducted safety inspections in over 80 factories.
Kirstine Drew, Chief Complaints Officer, Pakistan Accord explained in her presentation that the right to refuse unsafe work, provision of safety training programs, joint labour management Safety Committees, and the Complaints Mechanism are the cornerstones of worker participation in the Accord program.
The Pakistan Accord Safety Training program is made up of two parts: All Employee Meetings (AEMs), which are informational sessions attended by all workers of the factory, covering topics such as evacuation, health and safety risks, and workers’ rights and responsibilities regarding workplace safety. The second component is the Safety Committee Training Program, which includes both mandatory and optional modules. These modules cover various issues, including the role of Safety Committees in handling workers’ complaints and the organisation of factory walkthroughs.
The complaints mechanism is implemented on behalf of signatory brands and in accordance with UN effectiveness criteria – legitimate, accessible, predictable, equitable, transparent, rights-compatible – as well as the requirements of due diligence legislation. The Accord team works with factory management and brands to address complaints and ensure the delivery of remedies.
Workers at covered factories can submit complaints via the following channels:
WhatsApp: +92 326 8180001 Local No: 0326 8180001 Email: complaints@safetyaccord.pk
In the panel discussion, Rehan Ahmedani, representing Synergies Sourcing, and Neelofar Saleem, representing Bestseller, emphasised that having an independent complaints mechanism in place is now a legal requirement for brands under various legislations in Europe, such as the German Supply Chain Act and the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD).
Both speakers noted that receiving complaints is not necessarily ‘bad’, and they prefer to work with suppliers who have efficient and effective systems to address them.
They also encouraged supplier factories to embrace the Safety Training Program as an opportunity to strengthen workplace safety and health and contribute to learning.
During the Q&A session, participating factories highlighted the challenges they face due to the presence of multiple complaints mechanisms within their facilities, expressing concern that having various grievance mechanisms in the same location confuses workers.
The event concluded with a collective commitment to work together to make workplaces safer for factory workers. The Pakistan Accord Secretariat is planning to organise similar informational sessions with additional covered factories in Lahore and Karachi.
Resources:
Related updates
35 signatories to the International Accord have signed the Pakistan Accord to ensure worker safety in the country’s textile and garment industry.
The International Accord organised a virtual side session on 13 February as a part of the OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector to discuss the challenges & opportunities for the recently launched Pakistan Accord.
Accord Steering Committee member brands BESTSELLER, C&A, H&M, Inditex, Otto Group, and PVH Corp. have signed the Pakistan Accord.
Ten years after the first Accord was signed, the Accord Secretariat reflects on the progress in worker safety in the past decade and our vision for the future.
A total of 54 brands and retailers have thus far signed the Pakistan Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry, with more expected to follow in the coming weeks.
The Accord commemorates 10 years since the Rana Plaza collapse by remembering those who perished, those who were injured, and those who continue living with the impacts of one of the worst workplace disasters in modern history.
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International Accord Statement on the Political Situation in Bangladesh
Accord
Statement
Amsterdam, 08 August 2024:
In view of the complex political situation in Bangladesh, the International Accord makes the following statement in solidarity with the people of Bangladesh.
The International Accord is deeply concerned about the breakdown in law and order and the ensuing violence in Bangladesh and its impact on the two million workers in Accord-covered factories and our partners in the RMG industry.
It is not possible at this stage to assess the impact current events will have on the RMG industry given the rapidly changing situation. In these uncertain times, the International Accord calls on all signatories of the Bangladesh Safety Agreement[1] to stand by their Bangladeshi industry partners with patience in order to support the economic future of the country.
We urge all signatories to:
- Uphold the letter and the spirit of the commitments made to maintain a long-term sourcing relationship with Bangladesh.
- Actively engage with your suppliers to work together and address challenges related to production targets, order deliveries and the safety and health of workers.
- Continue supporting the RMG Sustainability Council (RSC) throughout this challenging period.
In addition, we have also learnt of, as yet unverified, reports of vandalism and fires at some RMG factories in Bangladesh. Any safety incidents at covered factories will be investigated by the RSC in accordance with their operating procedures, to the extent possible under the circumstances.
The International Accord will work to the best of its ability, together with colleagues from the RSC, Accord brands, trade unions, witness signatories and industry, to provide ongoing support and ensure that commitments made on safety and health protections are upheld. These include upholding the right to refuse unsafe work, maintaining regular income during any period a factory is closed for safety reasons, and avoiding excessive working hours to make up for production delays.
The International Accord hopes that Bangladesh quickly returns to a state of political and social stability and that we can continue our collective journey towards a safe and sustainable RMG industry in Bangladesh.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Bangladesh.
[1] The Bangladesh Safety Agreement is a Country-Specific Safety Program that is an addendum to the International Accord framework agreement and has been signed by 201 garment brands and retailers.
END
For more information, contact:
- media@internationalaccord.org
- Mini Dixit, Communications Advisor: mini.dixit@internationalaccord.org
Related updates
35 signatories to the International Accord have signed the Pakistan Accord to ensure worker safety in the country’s textile and garment industry.
The International Accord organised a virtual side session on 13 February as a part of the OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector to discuss the challenges & opportunities for the recently launched Pakistan Accord.
Accord Steering Committee member brands BESTSELLER, C&A, H&M, Inditex, Otto Group, and PVH Corp. have signed the Pakistan Accord.
Ten years after the first Accord was signed, the Accord Secretariat reflects on the progress in worker safety in the past decade and our vision for the future.
A total of 54 brands and retailers have thus far signed the Pakistan Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry, with more expected to follow in the coming weeks.
The Accord commemorates 10 years since the Rana Plaza collapse by remembering those who perished, those who were injured, and those who continue living with the impacts of one of the worst workplace disasters in modern history.
Follow us on social media
Pakistan Accord Remediation and Finance Schedule
Pakistan Accord Remediation and Finance Schedule - 2024
Pakistan Accord: Supplier Briefing #4
Supplier Briefing #4
These Supplier Briefings are designed for all factories/suppliers listed by Pakistan Accord signatory brands. They include updates on key developments under the Pakistan Accord, along with information on upcoming events, guidance materials, and resources for suppliers.
We encourage all suppliers/factories covered by the Pakistan Accord to read these briefings regularly and to share their recommendations, ideas, and suggestions by contacting us via pakistan.factories@internationalaccord.org.
This briefing includes updates on:
- Number of Signatory Brands, Covered Factories and Workers
- Program Rollout: Factory Inspections and Remediation
- Events: Brand Supplier Meetings in Amsterdam, Lahore and Karachi
- Implementation: Capacity Building for Engineers, New Karachi Office
Number of Signatory Brands, Covered Factories and Workers
At the time of writing this briefing, 122 global brands sourcing textiles and garments from Pakistan have signed the Pakistan Accord and committed to working with their suppliers to ensure workplace health and safety. The latest brands to sign the Pakistan Accord include Asda Stores, Concepts Sport, Royce Apparel Inc., Fanatics Apparel, Imagine One, Little King, Lorenz Bach, among others.
The Pakistan Accord signatory brands are headquartered in 18 countries across Europe, Turkey, the USA, Australia, Hong Kong, and Japan, and include some of the world’s largest clothing brands and retailers. Collectively, these brands source approximately US$3 billion worth of goods from over 500 suppliers in Pakistan that employ over 574,000 workers.
Program Rollout
Factory Inspections and Remediation
46 garment and textile factories in Karachi, Lahore, and Faisalabad covered under the Pakistan Accord have undergone initial inspections for fire, electrical, and structural safety. The number of initial factory safety inspections will reach the 50 mark in the coming days. A factory becomes part of the inspections program in Pakistan when a brand signs the Pakistan Accord and lists the factory as a supplying facility.
These factories are being inspected against the Pakistan Accord Building Standard (Standard) that establishes minimum life-safety criteria to reduce danger to life from fire, structural, electrical, and boiler hazards as well as safety risks relating to the storage, use, and handling of hazardous substances.
Safety Training and Complaints Mechanism
Stakeholder consultations on the design and curriculum for the Safety Training and Complaints Mechanism are currently underway and will take further shape in the coming months.
Events
Brand-Supplier Meetings in Amsterdam, Lahore and Karachi
Amsterdam
The International Accord Secretariat organised a brand-supplier event as part of its All Signatory Meeting on 26 April 2024, in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Over 130 attendees participated in this event, representing a diverse range of stakeholders, including the Accord’s trade union, NGO, and brand signatories , the Pakistani manufacturing industry, the Pakistan Embassy of the Netherlands, and organisations such as the OECD and GIZ.
Manufacturers who participated in the first round of initial inspections held under the Pakistan Accord in October took the podium to share their experiences.
“At Lucky Textile Mills Limited, compliance is a reflection of our core values, not just a response to brand recognition or customer demand. The Pakistan Accord is a valuable framework to promote a safe and secure working environment for our workforce and ensure long-term sustainability. We emphasise the importance of Accord inspections in creating a secure and sustainable workplace for our employees, which also supports the future stability of our business. Thanks to the support of Accord brands and engineers, our experience during the first safety inspections at our factories was smooth and positive. We recommend that all relevant parties support the Pakistan Accord and leverage its expertise for the benefit of the Pakistani industry,” said Yasir Yaqoob, Chief Operating Officer of Lucky Textile Mills Limited.
Suppliers were invited to share their reflections, voice their concerns, and ask questions on how the Accord and its signatories can meaningfully engage with the Pakistani industry moving forward. Key takeaways included prioritising transparency and communication, facilitating financial planning and technical capacity-building, and addressing challenges for medium and small-sized manufacturers to meet Accord requirements.
Rehan Ahmendani (Executive Director, Synergies Worldwide) shared:
“The arrival of the Accord in Pakistan is not a challenge but an opportunity. It’s logical to understand that a safer workforce means more brands and, consequently, more business. The Accord is skillful and focuses on fostering strong business relations between brands and suppliers. Moving forward, I recommend that brands remain committed to the program and embrace new ideas to ensure worker safety, with a special focus on digitisation.”
During the meeting, at least three major brands and retailers highlighted that the Accord provides them with the necessary assurances and prospect of increasing their sourcing from Pakistan. Michelle Tarry (Vice President, Responsible Sourcing & Sustainability, AEO Inc.), shared:
“While our production in Pakistan has been limited thus far; our recent visits have left us impressed with the industry’s investments in safety infrastructure, sustainability, and innovation. In the coming years, we see significant growth potential in Pakistan and remain committed to the well-being of those making our products. The Pakistan Accord’s inspection program, training initiatives, and complaints mechanism will be instrumental in this journey.”
The Accord thanks all representatives from the Pakistani industry and looks forward to continuing an open and constructive dialogue to ensure the successful implementation of the Pakistan Accord for all concerned stakeholders.
Lahore and Karachi
Four Pakistan Accord signatory brands, Adidas, Boohoo, GAP and Primark, together with the International Accord and Pakistan Accord Secretariats organised a series of five brand-supplier meetings in Lahore and Karachi between 5-7 March 2024.
These meetings provided information about the Accord and its key programs, and aimed to enhance engagement between signatory brands and their suppliers covered under the Pakistan Accord.
Speaking about their participation in these meetings, Sam Leach (Ethical Compliance Manager, Boohoo Group) said:
“The Boohoo Group sees the Accord framework as a great opportunity for our factories, not only to improve their building, electrical, fire, and boiler safety standards but also to enhance worker safety standards as a whole. We have seen the great work done in Bangladesh over the last 10+ years and we look forward to continuing to collaborate with The Accord and other international retailers to improve factory standards. We are encouraged to see that all our suppliers recognise the importance of the Pakistan Accord and are fully on board with the program.”
Implementation
Capacity Building for Pakistan Accord Engineers
Fourteen newly hired engineers, comprising five fire engineers, five electrical engineers, four structural engineers, are undergoing training aimed at providing them with the technical knowledge and practical skills necessary to conduct factory inspections against the reports.
In this inaugural batch, engineers are undergoing training facilitated by international engineering consultants, alongside George Faller (Chief Safety Officer, Pakistan Accord) and Colm Quinn (Head of Operations, International Accord). The training program started in March 2024 in Karachi, Faisalabad and Lahore, and spans 9 weeks (with a two-week break over Eid). A second round of training will start for new recruits on 1 July 2024.
Read more about the capacity building program here.
New Pakistan Accord Office in Karachi
The Health and Safety Accord (Pvt.) has opened a new office in Karachi, marking an exciting step for the implementation of the Pakistan Accord. The new office, located at Dolmen Corporate Tower in Clifton, will be the base for on-the-ground implementation of the Pakistan Accord’s safety inspections, worker training, and complaints mechanism programs.
Pakistan Accord Secretariat
The Pakistan Accord is in the process of building local teams in Karachi and Lahore to effectively implement the Accord programs in coordination with covered suppliers/factories. The team has recently hired an occupational health and safety Training Specialist, two Complaints Mechanism Specialists, one Remediation Department Manager, three administrative staff, and three office assistants. Further recruitment of Engineers, Remediation Coordinators, and boiler safety experts is currently in progress. The leadership team for the Pakistan Accord Secretariat includes:
Zulfiqar Shah, Country Manager
Zulfiqar Shah is the Country Manager for the Pakistan Accord and CEO of Health and Safety Accord (Pvt.). In his role, he oversees the implementation of the Pakistan Accord in collaboration with colleagues in Pakistan and at the International Accord Secretariat located in Amsterdam. Zulfiqar has been associated with the Accord since April 2022, assisting the team with feasibility studies and stakeholder engagement leading up to the launch of the Pakistan Accord in December 2023. With a Master’s in International Relations, Zulfiqar has 30+ years of experience in management, research, advocacy, training, and stakeholder engagement, with a focus on business and human rights. Before this role, he worked as the Decent Work Country Coordinator with the Better Cotton Initiative (BCI). He is a member of the Sindh Human Rights Commission, the Occupational Health and Safety Council, and the Steering Committee of the Action Plan on Business and Human Rights in the province of Sindh, serving in an honorary capacity. Zulfiqar began his career as a journalist for English newspapers and magazines in Pakistan, and was honoured with the Lorenzi Natali Award.
George Faller, Chief Safety Officer
In November 2023, George became the Chief Safety Officer (CSO) for the Pakistan Accord to oversee the implementation of theindependent inspections and remediation program. With 35 years of experience in global engineering consultancy, George has previously managed diverse technical teams worldwide. His focus shifted to worker safety in global supply chains while leading fire engineering teams at Arup in Europe in 2013. He has since been involved in initiatives focused on improving building safety in the RMG sector across Bangladesh, India, Vietnam, and Ethiopia, including serving as Chief Technical Advisor with the ILO in Dhaka and as CSO for the RMG Sustainability Council (RSC) in Bangladesh.
Kirstine Drew, Chief Complaints Officer
Kirstine Drew is the Chief Complaints Officer at the Pakistan Accord. Kirstine joined the Accord on Fire and Building Safety in Bangladesh in 2019 and was responsible for the management of the Accord’s Safety and Health Complaints Mechanism. Kirstine is currently setting up the Pakistan Accord’s workplace program in Pakistan, which includes the Safety and Health Training Program and an independent Complaints Mechanism. Before joining the Accord, Kirstine worked at the Trade Union Advisory Committee to the OECD (TUAC) where her responsibilities included supporting the effective implementation and dissemination of TUAC’s work on the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.
Resources
Stay in Touch
Related updates
35 signatories to the International Accord have signed the Pakistan Accord to ensure worker safety in the country’s textile and garment industry.
The International Accord organised a virtual side session on 13 February as a part of the OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector to discuss the challenges & opportunities for the recently launched Pakistan Accord.
Accord Steering Committee member brands BESTSELLER, C&A, H&M, Inditex, Otto Group, and PVH Corp. have signed the Pakistan Accord.
Ten years after the first Accord was signed, the Accord Secretariat reflects on the progress in worker safety in the past decade and our vision for the future.
A total of 54 brands and retailers have thus far signed the Pakistan Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry, with more expected to follow in the coming weeks.
The Accord commemorates 10 years since the Rana Plaza collapse by remembering those who perished, those who were injured, and those who continue living with the impacts of one of the worst workplace disasters in modern history.
Follow us on social media
Supplier Briefings - Pakistan Accord
Accord
Are you a factory listed by at least one of the Pakistan Accord signatories? Explore these supplier briefings to stay updated on various aspects of the Pakistan Accord, including updates on participating brands, the Pakistan Accord Building Standard, upcoming inspections, preparation guidelines, upcoming events, and more.
Are you a listed Pakistan Accord supplier or factory with additional suggestions on what you’d like to see in these briefings? Write to us at pakistan.factories@internationalaccord.org.
Related updates
35 signatories to the International Accord have signed the Pakistan Accord to ensure worker safety in the country’s textile and garment industry.
The International Accord organised a virtual side session on 13 February as a part of the OECD Forum on Due Diligence in the Garment and Footwear Sector to discuss the challenges & opportunities for the recently launched Pakistan Accord.
Accord Steering Committee member brands BESTSELLER, C&A, H&M, Inditex, Otto Group, and PVH Corp. have signed the Pakistan Accord.
Ten years after the first Accord was signed, the Accord Secretariat reflects on the progress in worker safety in the past decade and our vision for the future.
A total of 54 brands and retailers have thus far signed the Pakistan Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry, with more expected to follow in the coming weeks.
The Accord commemorates 10 years since the Rana Plaza collapse by remembering those who perished, those who were injured, and those who continue living with the impacts of one of the worst workplace disasters in modern history.
Follow us on social media
Day 2 Recap: Accord All Signatory Meeting 2024
Accord
The International Accord held its All Signatory Meeting 2024 on the 25 and 26 of April 2024 at the Rode Hoed in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The purpose of the event was to update participants about the key developments on the operations and implementation of the Accord’s Country-Specific Safety Programs (CSSPs) in Bangladesh and Pakistan.
26 April marked the second day of the International Accord‘s All Signatory Meeting highlighted the Pakistan Accord and welcomed the participation of over 30 suppliers from the Pakistani textile and garment industry.
The event brought together global brands and retailers including Adidas, Mango, Primark, Lidl, Matalan, PVH, Puma, Zalando, Kik Textilien, GAP Inc, ASOS, AEO Inc. H&M, Inditex and Bestseller.
Participation from the Pakistani textile and garment industry included nearly 30 representatives. Additionally, this day saw representation from the International Apparel Federation (IAF).
The day began with opening remarks from Michelle Tarry of American Eagle Outfitters Inc (AEO) emphasising the key role of the Accord’s remediation plans and worker training in promoting and maintaining workplace safety at their sourcing facilities. Tarry further underscored AEO’s commitment to the Pakistan Accord, stating:
We are in a position to extend the achievements from Bangladesh to Pakistan. While our production in Pakistan has been limited thus far; our recent visits have left us impressed with the industry’s investments in safety infrastructure, sustainability, and innovation. In the coming years, we see significant growth potential in Pakistan and remain committed to the well-being of those making our products. The Pakistan Accord’s inspection program, training initiatives, and complaints mechanism will be instrumental in this journey.
Koen Oosterom and Zulfiqar Shah, offered updates on the operations of the Pakistan Accord, followed by a discussion on the inspections and remediation programs by the Accord’s George Faller, Colm Quinn, and Veronique Camerer who elaborated on the importance of planning factory remediation and the available tools to ensure that it is financially feasible for factories to correct safety risks.
The session concluded with insights from Zubaida Machiyara (Fashion Knit Industries) and Yasir Yaqoob (Lucky Textile Mills), who shared their experiences of participating in the initial inspections under the Pakistan Accord.
The panel on the Accord’s workplace programs featured observations by David Reiner (Zalando), Matthijs Crietee (IAF: International Apparel Federation), Christina Hajagos-Clausen (IndustriALL Global Union ), and Kirstine Drew (Pakistan Accord) who echoed the importance of collaboration among all actors in ensuring access to remedy through the Accord’s complaints mechanism.
The last session featured valuable recommendations from suppliers to implement the Pakistan Accord. Key suggestions emphasised prioritising transparency, facilitating knowledge exchange, nurturing business stability, and embracing collaborative models tailored to accommodate facilities of all sizes.
Muhammed Rehan Ahmendani (Executive Director, Synergies Worldwide) shared:
“The arrival of the Accord in Pakistan is not a challenge but an opportunity. It is logical to understand that a safer workforce means more brands and, consequently, more business. The Accord is skillful and focuses on fostering strong business relations between brands and suppliers. Moving forward, I recommend that brands remain committed to the program and embrace new ideas to ensure worker safety, with a special focus on digitisation.”
We thank our panelists, Azfar Hasan (Matrix Sourcing), Kaschif R. Israr (Euro Centra Pakistan), Aamir Chottani (CHOTTANI INDUSTRIES.), Muhammed Rehan Ahmedani (Synergies Worldwide), Michael Bride and Veronique Camerer for their invaluable insights.
Lastly, we thank all attendees for their openness, insights, and recommendations, which are crucial to effectively implementing the Pakistan Accord and contributing to a safer garment and textile industry.
We thank our moderator, Olivia Windham Stewart and the Amerpodia team for the organisational support on this event.
For more information, contact:
- media@internationalaccord.org
- Mini Dixit, Communications Advisor: mini.dixit@internationalaccord.org
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