Pakistan Accord

Last week, the International Accord Steering Committee met in Dublin for important discussions on the progress and achievements of our work. Committee members reviewed the ongoing implementation of the Accord programs in Pakistan and Bangladesh, reaffirming our shared commitment to making textile and garment factories safer for workers. We also discussed the outcomes of recent feasibility studies on countries where the Accord may expand to, once the agreed expansion criteria in Pakistan have been met. Key takeaways from the meeting included: • Progress on the selection of the next Country Specific Safety Program, subject to further consultation with signatories and key stakeholders; • Potential next steps to expand the Accord complaints mechanism beyond OSH; • Discussion on ensuring sustainable and effective international and local governance of the programs in Pakistan and Bangladesh; • Recognition that the majority of the criteria for expansion to other countries have been met in Pakistan with more than 275 factories inspected, remediation starting to kick-off in dozens of factories and the training and complaints mechanism rolled out at more than 225 factories. • A strong commitment to renew the Pakistan Accord after 31 December 2025. Grateful to all Steering Committee members Alke Boessiger; Christina Hajagos-Clausen; Felicity Tapsell; Atle Høie; Michael Bride; Joachim Overmeyer; Mathias Bolton; Michael Reidick; Michelle Tarry; Ineke Zeldenrust; Scott Nova Jorge Alonso Campo; Amirul Haque Amin; and Kamrul Anam for their years-long dedication to constructive dialogue and cooperation as we continue to strengthen the Accord’s impact globally.

The Pakistan Accord team celebrated Pakistan's 78th Independence Day at both our Karachi and Lahore offices. Observed annually on 14 August, Independence Day commemorates the anniversary of Pakistan becoming a sovereign nation in 1947. In Karachi, a warm and spirited gathering took place on the evening of 13 August 2025. Country Director Zulfiqar Shah and Chief Safety Officer Paul Rigby cut the Independence Day cake, joined by our enthusiastic team. The Pakistan Accord on Health and Safety in the Garment and Textile Sector is dedicated to improving workplace safety within Pakistan's garment industry. Since its inception in 2023, the Pakistan Accord has been implemented on behalf of 138 global brand signatories at over 645 factories across the Sindh and Punjab provinces, employing more than 700,000 workers. On this Independence Day, we reaffirm our commitment to working alongside global brands, trade unions UNI Global Union and IndustriALL Global Union , Pakistani suppliers, and all stakeholders to ensure safer workplaces, paving the way for improved worker safety and greater business opportunities for Pakistan’s garment and textile sector. #PakistanAccord #WorkerSafety

.Joris Oldenziel, Executive Director of the International Accord, recently visited Karachi, Lahore, and Islamabad for a series of productive engagements with key stakeholders on the continued implementation of the Pakistan Accord. We are grateful for the valuable insights shared by all stakeholders, including Mr. Babar Khan (Chairman, PHMA), Mr. Aamir Chottani (Chairman South Zone, PRGMEA), Mr. Abdul Khalique Shaikh (Secretary, Ministry of Human Rights), Mr. Salman Ghani (Joint Secretary, Ministry of OPHRD), Dr. Nabeel A. (Head of Compliance, Ministry of Commerce), Mr. Geir Tonstol (Country Director, International Labour Organization Pakistan), and Ms. Rabia Razzaque (Senior Program Officer, ILO). We also appreciate the active participation and commitment of local representatives from global garment brands sourcing in Pakistan. The Pakistan Accord team, comprising Joris Oldenziel, Zulfiqar Shah (Country Director), Paul Rigby (Chief Safety Officer), and Colm Quinn (Head of Operations), briefed stakeholders on the progress and implementation of the Pakistan Accord. They reaffirmed the Pakistan Accord's commitment to collaborating with suppliers, brands, government institutions, and other partners to enhance workplace safety and uphold sustainability standards, in an effort to contribute to expanding trade opportunities in Pakistan. In addition to external engagements, the team also held team sessions focused on implementation developments and strategies to maximise impact. We extend our thanks to all our partners for their warm welcome, constructive feedback, and shared and continued commitment to building safer, more sustainable garment supply chains. #PakistanAccord #WorkplaceSafety #LabourRights #GarmentIndustry

The Pakistan Accord recently organised the second round of capacity-building training for government officials in Sindh and Punjab, reaffirming our commitment to enhancing building and fire safety standards. 📍 𝗞𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶 (𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟭𝟬-𝟭𝟭) Over 50 participants from eight key government departments attended the workshop in Karachi, including, the Sindh Building Control Authority (SBCA), Department of Labour and Human Resources, Rescue 1122, Civil Defense, K-Electric, Fire Brigade, NED University, Fire Protection Association. Mr. Rajvir Singh Sodha, Provincial Minister for Human Rights, and Mr. Muhammad Ishaq Khuhro, DG SBCA, attended the closing session as special guests. 📍 𝗟𝗮𝗵𝗼𝗿𝗲 (𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟭𝟮-𝟭𝟯) Over 60 officials attended the workshop in Lahore. The organisations in attendance included the Department of Labour and Human Resources, Punjab Emergency Services, Lahore and Faisalabad Development Authorities, Civil Defense, LESCO, UET, and NESPAK. Dr Rizwan Naseer, a renowned fire safety expert and Sitara-e-Imtiaz awardee, was the Chief Guest. He also presented certificates to the participants. 📚 Led by Ms. Vita Sanderson & Ms. Laura from Arup, the sessions covered essential structural and fire safety principles, providing government officials with critical insights. 🔹 This initiative builds on the intensive capacity-building training conducted in February 2025. #PakistanAccord #WorkplaceSafety #WorkerSafety | Zulfiqar Shah

🚀 #NowHiring: The Pakistan Accord is hiring for the following positions: 🔹 Boiler Safety Engineer 🔹 Fire Safety Engineer 🔹 Electrical Safety Engineer 🔹 Structural Safety Engineer 📍 Location: Karachi and Lahore, Pakistan 🕒 Type: Full-time 📅 Application Deadline: 21 March 2025 🔗 More details: https://lnkd.in/eEKKJThb #JobAlert #EngineeringJobs #KarachiJobs #LahoreJobs #PakistanAccord

🚨 Exciting News! 🚨 We are excited to announce that the Pakistan Accord team successfully conducted the initial Meeting for the Safety Training Program at M.K. Sons (Pvt) Ltd. This meeting provided an excellent platform to engage and discuss key safety protocols, training plans, and the vital steps needed to enhance workplace safety across the industry. A big thanks to the Pakistan Accord team and all participants for their valuable insights and commitment to creating safer working environments. #PakistanAccord #SafetyTraining #WorkplaceSafety #Collaboration #MKsons #SafetyFirst

Capacity Building Workshops in Sindh & Punjab 🇵🇰 Pakistan Accord recently organised capacity-building workshops for government officials in Sindh and Punjab, reinforcing its commitment to workplace safety. 📍 Karachi (Feb 3-7, 2025): 70+ participants from eight key government departments, including the Sindh Building Control Authority, Department of Labour & Human Resources, and Sindh Emergency Service Department, engaged in expert-led training. 📍 Lahore (Feb 10-14, 2025): Another 70+ officials from seven departments, including the Lahore & Faisalabad Development Authorities, Rescue 1122, and NESPAK, participated in the workshops. Key Themes Covered: ✅ Building, fire, and electrical safety best practices ✅ Regulatory frameworks and approval processes ✅ Factory visits for real-world application ✅ Cross-departmental collaboration & networking A big thank you to our expert trainers from Arup and the dedicated government representatives who participated. The workshops were also attended by Joris Oldenziel, Executive Director of International Accord, Colm Quinn, Interim Chief Safety Officer, and Zulfiqar Shah, Country Director of Pakistan Accord. 🔗 Read more: https://lnkd.in/efW5ePBk 📢 Follow the new Pakistan Accord LinkedIn page to stay updated on the latest news and updates from the Accord programs in Pakistan. #PakistanAccord #WorkplaceSafety #CapacityBuilding

#NowHiring: The Pakistan Accord is seeking a Training Specialist for its Workplace Programs. 📍 Location: Karachi and Lahore, Pakistan 🕒 Type: Full-time 📅 Application Deadline: 10 March 2025 More details: https://lnkd.in/d9hKzcG9 #JobAlert #EngineeringJobs #KarachiJobs #LahoreJobs #PakistanAccord