Pilot safety assessments at 7 garment and textile factories in Karachi and Lahore

December 10, 2022

Update on ongoing feasibility studies

The International Accord and a team of Arup engineers conducted pilot safety assessments at 7 garment and textile factories in Karachi and Lahore, Pakistan, between 28 November to 9 December 2022.

The engineers evaluated the existing fire, structural, electrical, and boiler safety measures at these factories to inform the possible establishment of a new workplace safety program there. The factories ranged in size from 180 to 3,500 workers and from 1 single building to up to 9 buildings.

A detailed pilot evaluation report will be drafted in February following an analysis of assessment reports, individual factory remediation discussions, and a pilot evaluation workshop with participating factories and brands.

These safety assessments were a part of the Secretariat’s ongoing feasibility studies to explore Accord programs in new countries. Based on strong interest from stakeholders, the Accord Steering Committee agreed to conduct this pilot in Pakistan to inform the possible establishment of a workplace safety program there. A decision among signatories on the start of a new Accord program is expected before the end of 2022.

The International Accord thanks the teams at all factories for their enthusiastic participation and looks forward to our continued work together.


Related updates

Day 2 Recap: Accord All Signatory Meeting 2024

Day 2 of the International Accord’s All Signatory Meeting was dedicated to fostering meaningful engagement between the Pakistani industry and signatories to the Pakistan Accord.

Read More

11 years since the Rana Plaza collapse in Bangladesh

The Accord commemorates 11 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.

Read More

Start of capacity building program for Pakistan Accord engineers

The capacity-building program for recently hired engineers under the Pakistan Accord has officially commenced.

Read More

Join the conversation on a safer clothing industry