Pakistan Accord: Supplier Briefing #6
Supplier Briefing #6
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: Signatory brands, factories and workers
- Program Rollout: Inspections and Remediation, Workplace Programs
- Key Events: Government capacity building sessions, technical workshops for service providers
- Implementation: Hiring update, vacancies
Number of Signatory Brands, Covered Factories and Workers
At the time of writing this briefing, 133 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. Since the last Briefing, new brands including Levi Strauss & Co., GearCo (Unrivaled Teamwear) and Lomotex GmbH & Co. KG have become signatories.
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$3.5 billion worth of goods from over 530 suppliers in Pakistan employing over 567,000 workers.
View the latest list of Pakistan Accord signatories.
View the list of factories participating in the Pakistan Accord programs.
Program Rollout
Inspections and Remediation
Over 200 factories across Karachi, Lahore, and Faisalabad have been inspected for fire, electrical, and structural safety. All inspections follow the Pakistan Accord Building Standard to identify risks and improve safety in Pakistan’s textile and garment industry. Inspections will include the identification of risks linked to hazardous materials at a later stage.
Start of Boiler Safety Inspections
The Pakistan Accord boiler safety team is now fully trained and has conducted seven visual inspections. All factories inspected for boiler safety receive a form to provide details on the quantity and types of boilers at their facilities, ensuring a comprehensive approach to these inspections.
In November 2024, the safety compliance consultancy TUV SUD conducted a week-long training program in Sri Lanka for the Pakistan Accord boiler safety team. As a follow-up, these engineers visited the RMG Sustainability Council (RSC) boiler safety team in Bangladesh for a knowledge exchange session and participated in factory inspections for hands-on training.
Boiler safety engineers from the Pakistan Accord team and the RMG Sustainability Council (RSC) participating in a training session in Sri Lanka.
Inspection Reports and CAPs
The International Accord Secretariat published the first set of Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) and initial inspection reports on fire, electrical, and structural safety for 30 factories under the Pakistan Accord on Friday, 21 February 2025.
These reports reflect the safety findings and progress at the inspected factories and are published in accordance with the transparency commitments under the Accord (Section IV, Article 29b of the International Accord, and Section IX, Article 23b of the Pakistan Accord).
The Accord is currently developing a factory search tool to showcase the progress at covered factories in Pakistan. In the meantime, the reports are temporarily available here.
Common Safety Findings and Remediation
To date, safety inspections have so far identified over 5,500 safety risks, including approximately 2400 findings on electrical safety, 2200 on fire safety, and 900 on structural safety. Below is an overview of the main findings under each safety inspection scope, along with remediation actions factories are taking to improve safety at their facilities.
Electrical Safety
Common findings
Pakistan Accord engineers identified electrical safety as the top risk in inspected factories, with over 2,400 risks. About 1,021 involve distribution boards and protection systems, commonly affected by hot spots from overloading, incorrect cable sizing, and poor installation—issues often missed due to a lack of thermographic testing. Many factories also have incomplete or missing electrical Single Line Diagrams (SLDs).
Remediation
Factories are training electrical staff, implementing thermographic testing for early fault detection, updating SLDs for better troubleshooting, and minimising combustible materials near electrical panels to reduce fire risks.
Left – Before: Combustible material near electrical panel; Right – After: Combustible material removed
Fire Safety
Common findings
Among 2,200 fire safety risks in inspected factories, 986 involve unsafe escape routes. Non-compliance includes locked doors or doors opening against escape routes, hindering evacuation. Many factories also lack handrails on exit routes, increasing risk during emergencies.
Remediation
According to the Pakistan Accord Building Standard, compliant escape doors should be free of locking devices, and swing open in the direction of an escape route. In addition, factories are installing handrails to ensure safe egress and help workers safely exit in case of fire safety accidents.
Left – Before: No handrails; Right – After: Handrails installed
Structural Safety
Common findings
Among 900 structural safety risks, overstressed columns are a major concern, with 188 reported cases. Excessive loads, such as water tanks and floor build-ups, often exceed design capacity, increasing the risk of collapse. Additionally, many factories have cracks in their buildings, further compromising workplace safety.
Remediation
The Pakistan Accord Building Standard and Accord engineers recommend reviewing designs, assessing loads, and reducing excessive stress on columns in high-risk areas to ensure safety. Factories are repairing building cracks to maintain structural strength and prevent them from worsening, ensuring long-term safety.
Left – Before: Cracks in walls; Right – After: Fixed walls
Workplace Programs
The Pakistan Accord has made significant progress in its Workplace Programs across factories.
- In November, the Pakistan Accord conducted its first All Employee Meeting at a home textile factory in Karachi.
- As of the end of February, initial meetings have been conducted at 129 factories, while All-Employee Meetings have been organised at 21 factories, totalling 73 sessions and reaching over 18,500 workers.
- The Safety Committee Training has been piloted at one factory, and the contact details to file complaints under the Pakistan Accord Complaints Mechanism have been distributed to 121 factories.
Looking ahead, the Workplace Programs are set to expand further, with additional initial and All-Employee Meetings scheduled from February through April. Concurrently, the key messages will be communicated online via animations.
Recruitment efforts in Karachi and Lahore are underway to strengthen the Workplace Program team, which currently comprises four trainers—two based in Karachi and two in Lahore—and a dedicated complaints team consisting of two specialists and one Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) manager.
The Workplace Programs are set to expand further, with additional initial and All-Employee Meetings scheduled in the coming months.
Events
Technical Workshops for Service Providers - December 2024
In December 2024, the Pakistan Accord Secretariat hosted two technical workshops for consultants in Lahore (December 12) and Karachi (December 16). Focused on the first 30 factories with technically approved CAPs that have commenced remediation, these sessions aimed to clarify the design documentation and certification requirements for fire, structural, and electrical safety.
The workshops featured insights from Country Director Zulfiqar Shah and Chief Safety Officer George Faller, and included in-depth presentations on Fire Alarm & Detection Systems, Fire Suppression Systems, and Structural Detailed Engineering Assessments. These sessions provided detailed explanations of design review processes, required documentation, and core testing methods, and concluded with interactive Q&A rounds. Participants expressed their appreciation for the technical support and interest in continuing these initiatives in the future.
The Pakistan Accord Secretariat hosted two technical workshops for consultants in Lahore and Karachi.
Government Capacity Building Workshops - February 2025
The Pakistan Accord recently conducted capacity-building workshops for government officials in Sindh and Punjab. Held in Karachi from February 3–7, 2025, and in Lahore from February 10–14, 2025, the five-day events brought together over 70 participants from multiple government departments. Expert-led sessions by Arup covered key topics such as building, fire, and electrical safety, along with practical factory visits that provided hands-on insights into regulatory processes and international standards.
Officials including Dr. Abid Shaikh, Athar Ali Shah, Dr. Rizwan Naseer, and Syeda Kulsoom Hayee, inaugurated and closed the sessions, underscoring the initiative’s importance in fostering a stronger safety culture across Pakistan’s workplaces.
The capacity-building workshops for government officials covered key topics under building, fire, and electrical safety.
Implementation
The Pakistan Accord is actively building and training local teams in its Karachi and Lahore offices to ensure effective program implementation in close coordination with covered suppliers and brands. The organisation is also expanding both its Inspections & Remediation Department and Workplace Program Team. Furthermore, recruitment efforts are underway to hire fire, structural, and boiler safety experts, as well as training and complaints specialists, along with additional support staff.
See the latest vacancies under the Pakistan Accord.
Resources
Stay in Touch
Related updates
This briefing provides updates on the number of signatory brands and covered factories, the rollout of Workplace Programs, and recent events organised by the Pakistan Accord team.
The Pakistan Accord team recently organised a series of capacity building workshops for government officials in the Sindh and Punjab provinces.
Factories in Pakistan have begun addressing key safety findings and are implementing improvements at their facilities.
The Pakistan Accord team recently organised a series of capacity building workshops for government officials in the Sindh and Punjab provinces.
On 26 and 27 November 2024 the Pakistan Accord conducted its inaugural safety training meeting in Pakistan. The meeting was attended by all employees of the factory.
The Pakistan Accord Secretariat hosted a briefing on the rollout of Workplace Programs on August 19, 2024, in Karachi.
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Capacity Building Workshops for Government Officials in Sindh and Punjab
Updates on programs in Pakistan
The Pakistan Accord team recently organised a series of capacity building workshops for government officials in the Sindh and Punjab provinces.
The first workshop took place in Karachi from 3 to 7 February, 2025, and was attended by over 70 participants representing eight government departments. These included the Sindh Building Control Authority, Department of Labour and Human Resources, Sindh Emergency Service Department, Civil Defense, K Electric, Fire Brigade Department, and NED University of Engineering and Technology.
The second workshop, held in Lahore from 10 to 14 February, 2025, was also attended by an equal number of participants representing seven departments, including Lahore Development Authority, Faisalabad Development Authority, Department of Labour and Human Resources, Rescue 1122, Civil Defense, UET, NESPAK, and LESCO.
The workshop modules delivered by expert engineers from Arup, included technical and non-technical aspects of building safety, fire safety, and electrical safety, along with an overview of the approval process and regulatory mechanisms in existence in Pakistan. Participants were also exposed to international standards and requirements in the field.
The five-day workshops also provided an opportunity for participants from these departments to engage in mutual learning and sharing, in addition to networking and socialising. The factory visits arranged for a limited number of participants also generated great interest among attendees, along with on-site explanations of various aspects of building safety.
The workshop in Karachi was jointly inaugurated by Dr. Abid Shaikh, Director General of Sindh Emergency Services, and Mr. Athar Ali Shah, Joint Director of the Department of Labour and Human Resources.
In Lahore, Dr. Rizwan Naseer, DG of Rescue 1122, was the Chief Guest at the inaugural session, while Syeda Kulsoom Hayee, DG of Labour Welfare, was the Chief uest at the closing ceremony and distributed certificates among the participants.
In addition to key trainers Ms. Vita Sanderson, Kenneth Wynne, and Mr. Will from Arup, Mr. Joris Oldenziel, Executive Director of International Accord, Mr. Colm Quinn, Interim Chief Safety Officer, and Mr. Zulfiqar Shah, Country Director of Pakistan Accord, specially participated in the training program.
The Pakistan Accord hopes to contribute to enhancing the capacity of relevant government departments, fostering a stronger safety culture across all workplaces in Pakistan.
Resources:
Related updates
This briefing provides updates on the number of signatory brands and covered factories, the rollout of Workplace Programs, and recent events organised by the Pakistan Accord team.
The Pakistan Accord team recently organised a series of capacity building workshops for government officials in the Sindh and Punjab provinces.
Factories in Pakistan have begun addressing key safety findings and are implementing improvements at their facilities.
The Pakistan Accord team recently organised a series of capacity building workshops for government officials in the Sindh and Punjab provinces.
On 26 and 27 November 2024 the Pakistan Accord conducted its inaugural safety training meeting in Pakistan. The meeting was attended by all employees of the factory.
The Pakistan Accord Secretariat hosted a briefing on the rollout of Workplace Programs on August 19, 2024, in Karachi.
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Identification, Prevention and Mitigation of Safety Risks Underway in Pakistan
Updates on programs in Pakistan
The Pakistan Accord on Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry was established in 2023 with the first batch of initial inspections starting in October 2023. The program is now well underway with fire, electrical and structural safety inspections at 185 factories across Karachi, Lahore and Faisalabad in Pakistan. The Pakistan Accord Workplace Programs were rolled out in August 2024, and the team has now reached a milestone of 100 initial meetings at factories to launch the program.
The safety inspections have identified over 5,500 safety issues, including approximately 2,400 related to electrical safety, 2,200 to fire safety, and 900 to structural integrity.
In response, factories have begun addressing these findings and are collaborating closely with the Pakistan Accord’s engineering and remediation teams to implement safety improvements at their facilities.
Immediate Action for Critical Issues
In cases where Accord engineers identified urgent safety concerns, factories have taken immediate remedial actions. These actions include:
- Load Reduction: In areas with overstressed columns, factories have reduced the load on structures to ensure the structural integrity of the building.
- Electrical Panel Shutdown: Unsafe electrical panels have been shut down to mitigate risks of short circuits caused by electrical hotspots and tangled wires.
Left – Before: Tangled wires, dust in electrical panel; Right – After: Organised wires and clean electrical panel to mitigate short circuit risks
Electrical Safety Remediation
Electrical safety has been identified as the most significant risk at the inspected factories, with over 2,400 findings. Most factory fires are caused by electrical hazards, so remediating these issues is a crucial preventative measure. To address these issues, factories are taking the following steps:
- Thermographic Testing: Independent thermographic surveys are being scheduled to detect overheating components, loose connections, and other faults.
- Repairs and Maintenance: Electrical panels are being assessed to identify sources of abnormal temperatures. Actions include tightening connections, redistributing electrical loads, and replacing faulty components and cables. Additionally, factories are actively minimising combustible materials near electrical panels, a crucial measure for reducing the risk of ignition.
Left – Before: Combustible material near electrical panel; Right – After: Combustible material removed
Fire Safety Remediation Measures
Among the 2,200 fire safety findings, 986 issues are related to means of escape. In response to these findings, factories are:
- Removing Locking Features: Non-compliant locking mechanisms are being removed, and doors are being fitted with easy-to-open mechanisms that comply with NFPA 101 and the Pakistan Accord Building Standard.
- Correcting Door Swing Direction: Exit doors are being replaced or modified to ensure they swing in the direction of escape routes, facilitating smoother evacuations during emergencies.
- Installing Handrails: Factories are installing handrails to ensure safe egress and help people safely exit in case of fire safety accidents.
Left – Before: No handrails; Right – After: Handrails installed
Structural Safety Remediation Measures
Among the 900 structural safety findings, overstressed columns have been a common issue. To mitigate the risks, factories are:
- Reviewing Designs and Loads: Factories are engaging engineering consultants to conduct reviews of design, load distribution, and stress levels on overstressed columns.
- Reducing Loads: Excessive loads are being removed from columns to ensure compliance with the Pakistan Accord Building Standard.
- Fixing Cracks: Factories are fixing building cracks because these repairs help maintain the building’s strength and ensure a safe environment. Addressing cracks early prevents them from developing into larger issues, keeping the structure sound over time.
Left – Before: Cracks in walls; Right – After: Fixed walls
By promptly addressing these safety concerns, factories under the Pakistan Accord are taking important and tangible measures to prevent and mitigate safety hazards within Pakistan’s textile and garment industry. The Pakistan Accord is encouraged by the level of cooperation by suppliers and their commitment to safe workplaces.
The International Accord Secretariat published the first set of Corrective Action Plans (CAPs) and initial inspection reports on fire, electrical, and structural safety for 30 factories under the Pakistan Accord on Friday, 21 February 2025. These reports reflect the safety findings and progress at the inspected factories and are published in accordance with the transparency commitments under the Accord (Section IV, Article 29b of the International Accord, and Section IX, Article 23b of the Pakistan Accord).
The Accord is currently developing a factory search tool to showcase the progress at covered factories in Pakistan. In the meantime, the reports are temporarily available here.
Related updates
This briefing provides updates on the number of signatory brands and covered factories, the rollout of Workplace Programs, and recent events organised by the Pakistan Accord team.
The Pakistan Accord team recently organised a series of capacity building workshops for government officials in the Sindh and Punjab provinces.
Factories in Pakistan have begun addressing key safety findings and are implementing improvements at their facilities.
The Pakistan Accord team recently organised a series of capacity building workshops for government officials in the Sindh and Punjab provinces.
On 26 and 27 November 2024 the Pakistan Accord conducted its inaugural safety training meeting in Pakistan. The meeting was attended by all employees of the factory.
The Pakistan Accord Secretariat hosted a briefing on the rollout of Workplace Programs on August 19, 2024, in Karachi.
Follow us on social media
Pakistan Accord Holds its first All Employee Meeting in Pakistan
Updates on programs in Pakistan
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
This briefing provides updates on the number of signatory brands and covered factories, the rollout of Workplace Programs, and recent events organised by the Pakistan Accord team.
The Pakistan Accord team recently organised a series of capacity building workshops for government officials in the Sindh and Punjab provinces.
Factories in Pakistan have begun addressing key safety findings and are implementing improvements at their facilities.
The Pakistan Accord team recently organised a series of capacity building workshops for government officials in the Sindh and Punjab provinces.
On 26 and 27 November 2024 the Pakistan Accord conducted its inaugural safety training meeting in Pakistan. The meeting was attended by all employees of the factory.
The Pakistan Accord Secretariat hosted a briefing on the rollout of Workplace Programs on August 19, 2024, in Karachi.
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
This briefing provides updates on the number of signatory brands and covered factories, the rollout of Workplace Programs, and recent events organised by the Pakistan Accord team.
The Pakistan Accord team recently organised a series of capacity building workshops for government officials in the Sindh and Punjab provinces.
Factories in Pakistan have begun addressing key safety findings and are implementing improvements at their facilities.
The Pakistan Accord team recently organised a series of capacity building workshops for government officials in the Sindh and Punjab provinces.
On 26 and 27 November 2024 the Pakistan Accord conducted its inaugural safety training meeting in Pakistan. The meeting was attended by all employees of the factory.
The Pakistan Accord Secretariat hosted a briefing on the rollout of Workplace Programs on August 19, 2024, in Karachi.
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Rollout of Pakistan Accord Workplace Programs
Updates on programs in Pakistan
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
This briefing provides updates on the number of signatory brands and covered factories, the rollout of Workplace Programs, and recent events organised by the Pakistan Accord team.
The Pakistan Accord team recently organised a series of capacity building workshops for government officials in the Sindh and Punjab provinces.
Factories in Pakistan have begun addressing key safety findings and are implementing improvements at their facilities.
The Pakistan Accord team recently organised a series of capacity building workshops for government officials in the Sindh and Punjab provinces.
On 26 and 27 November 2024 the Pakistan Accord conducted its inaugural safety training meeting in Pakistan. The meeting was attended by all employees of the factory.
The Pakistan Accord Secretariat hosted a briefing on the rollout of Workplace Programs on August 19, 2024, in Karachi.
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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.
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Related updates
This briefing provides updates on the number of signatory brands and covered factories, the rollout of Workplace Programs, and recent events organised by the Pakistan Accord team.
The Pakistan Accord team recently organised a series of capacity building workshops for government officials in the Sindh and Punjab provinces.
Factories in Pakistan have begun addressing key safety findings and are implementing improvements at their facilities.
The Pakistan Accord team recently organised a series of capacity building workshops for government officials in the Sindh and Punjab provinces.
On 26 and 27 November 2024 the Pakistan Accord conducted its inaugural safety training meeting in Pakistan. The meeting was attended by all employees of the factory.
The Pakistan Accord Secretariat hosted a briefing on the rollout of Workplace Programs on August 19, 2024, in Karachi.
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Day 2 Recap: Accord All Signatory Meeting 2024
Updates on programs in Pakistan
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
Related updates
This briefing provides updates on the number of signatory brands and covered factories, the rollout of Workplace Programs, and recent events organised by the Pakistan Accord team.
The Pakistan Accord team recently organised a series of capacity building workshops for government officials in the Sindh and Punjab provinces.
Factories in Pakistan have begun addressing key safety findings and are implementing improvements at their facilities.
The Pakistan Accord team recently organised a series of capacity building workshops for government officials in the Sindh and Punjab provinces.
On 26 and 27 November 2024 the Pakistan Accord conducted its inaugural safety training meeting in Pakistan. The meeting was attended by all employees of the factory.
The Pakistan Accord Secretariat hosted a briefing on the rollout of Workplace Programs on August 19, 2024, in Karachi.
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11 years since the Rana Plaza collapse in Bangladesh
Updates on programs in Pakistan
Today marks the 11th anniversary of the tragic collapse of the Rana Plaza building in Dhaka, Bangladesh, which claimed the lives of over 1,100 garment workers and left thousands critically injured. On this solemn anniversary, the Accord pays tribute to the victims, the survivors, and those enduring the impact of one of the most devastating workplace disasters in modern history.
Alongside our signatories and stakeholders, the Accord remains committed to ensuring that garment factory workers are safeguarded with a safe and healthy work environment as a fundamental principle and right at work.
We urge more brands to join us in this effort by signing the Accord and putting worker safety at the core of their garment supply chains.
For more information, contact:
- media@internationalaccord.org
- Mini Dixit, Communications Officer: mini.dixit@internationalaccord.org
Related updates
This briefing provides updates on the number of signatory brands and covered factories, the rollout of Workplace Programs, and recent events organised by the Pakistan Accord team.
The Pakistan Accord team recently organised a series of capacity building workshops for government officials in the Sindh and Punjab provinces.
Factories in Pakistan have begun addressing key safety findings and are implementing improvements at their facilities.
The Pakistan Accord team recently organised a series of capacity building workshops for government officials in the Sindh and Punjab provinces.
On 26 and 27 November 2024 the Pakistan Accord conducted its inaugural safety training meeting in Pakistan. The meeting was attended by all employees of the factory.
The Pakistan Accord Secretariat hosted a briefing on the rollout of Workplace Programs on August 19, 2024, in Karachi.
Follow us on social media
Start of capacity building program for Pakistan Accord engineers
Updates on programs in Pakistan
Marking a milestone in the rollout of the International Accord’s country program in Pakistan, newly hired engineers are undergoing training. The capacity-building program aims to equip engineers with the technical knowledge and practical skills necessary to effectively conduct factory inspections and produce reports that identify remediation required under the Pakistan Accord.
The program is currently underway in Karachi, Faisalabad and Lahore, Pakistan, and spans 9 weeks (with a two week break over Eid). In this inaugural batch, 14 engineers (including 5 fire engineers, 5 electrical engineers, 4 structural engineers) are undergoing training facilitated by engineering consultants, alongside George Faller (Chief Safety Officer, Pakistan Accord) and Colm Quinn (Head of Operations, International Accord).
The Capacity Building Program
The capacity building program comprises two phases focusing on classroom and on-the-job training. The initial three days emphasise introducing engineers to key Accord principles, the Pakistan Accord Building Standard, and essential key safety inspections features. Additionally, classroom sessions familiarise engineers with key safety hazards to look out for during factory assessments, and capturing this key information in reports used to develop factory Corrective Action Plans (CAPs).
Following classroom sessions, engineers are currently undergoing a nine-week on-site building inspection and reporting training.
Factory Inspections
As part of the on-site training, trainee engineers joined the fire, electrical, and structural safety inspections at least 10 factories covered under the Pakistan Accord. Based on the complexity of the factories, these visits typically lasted one day.
The inspection day started with an opening meeting with factory management, followed by a walk around the building exterior and through all interior rooms and spaces. The team also conducted non-destructive testing as required, for example, measuring concrete hardness and thermographic scanning to identify electrical hotspots.
These initial inspections are part of the Pakistan Accord’s inspections and remediation program that began in November 2023. This recent round of inspections brings the number of factories covered under the Pakistan Accord to receive initial inspections to over 25 factories.
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Related updates
This briefing provides updates on the number of signatory brands and covered factories, the rollout of Workplace Programs, and recent events organised by the Pakistan Accord team.
The Pakistan Accord team recently organised a series of capacity building workshops for government officials in the Sindh and Punjab provinces.
Factories in Pakistan have begun addressing key safety findings and are implementing improvements at their facilities.
The Pakistan Accord team recently organised a series of capacity building workshops for government officials in the Sindh and Punjab provinces.
On 26 and 27 November 2024 the Pakistan Accord conducted its inaugural safety training meeting in Pakistan. The meeting was attended by all employees of the factory.
The Pakistan Accord Secretariat hosted a briefing on the rollout of Workplace Programs on August 19, 2024, in Karachi.
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