Leather industry brought to a standstill
Normal industrial production, including within the leather sector, remains paralysed in Pakistan due to continued unrest in the country following the assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto on December 27 and, according to those involved in the industry, it is likely to have far reaching effects for the future.
As all imports and exports remain suspended and leather production ground to a standstill in the Korangi Industrial Area of Karachi, Lahore and Sialkot, chairman of the Pakistan Leather Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PLGMEA) said that the tragic incident had occurred during the leather sector’s peak period. He stated: “Most of our orders are booked in the West immediately after Christmas and New Year’s Eve." He added: “The long-term implications will have to be faced because booking orders for the next winter season starts in the first week of January, but our foreign buyers are now reluctant to enter into any deals fearing further complications."
