In the preamble, the parties recognise the decisive role of the International Labor Organization, in particular the offices of ILO - Better Work Pakistan, to ensure that the programmes foreseen by the signatories of the Pakistan Accord are implemented and effective and confirm their commitment to promote respect for the right of workers to freedom of association following relevant ILO Conventions.
Based on the results in terms of safety improvements in Bangladesh, it covers Cut-Make-Trim facilities, namely Ready-Made Garment , home textile, fabric, and knit accessories suppliers (including vertically integrated facilities), aiming to reach more than 500 factories.
Fabric mills within the supply chains of the signatories are also covered, with implementation scheduled for a later stage in the programme.
It provides independent safety inspections to address identified fire, electrical, structural, and boiler hazards, monitoring and supporting remediation, and establishes a Safety Committee training and worker safety awareness programme.
The Pakistan Accord programmes will be implemented in phases, in close collaboration with federal ministries and provincial governments, industry associations, suppliers, trade unions, and civil society organisations, and through establishing a national governance body.
Provisions on independent complaints mechanisms and a commitment to broad transparency confirm the aim to enhance the industry’s health and safety culture.
We previously reported on a similar initiative in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Indonesia.