Al-Karam Textile Mills, in collaboration with Fair Trade USA, have partnered with Dr. Essa Laboratory & Diagnostic to provide free-of-cost and best quality pathological services to the employees of Al-Karam Textile Mills. At the inauguration of this project, a unit of the lab providing basic services was instated within the premises of their mill in Karachi, along with the presence of professional medical staff.
Present at the launch ceremony were Dr. Farah Essa (Director Radiology & Corporate Relations – Essa Lab) and Raheel Saify (Director Sales & Marketing – Al-Karam Textile Mills), along with other dignitaries and worker committee members from Fair Trade USA.
This initiative has been taken by Al-Karam Textile Mills factory workers as they are empowered by Fair Trade USA to use Fair Trade funds at their disposal for the welfare of all factory employees. Being a responsible employer, Al-Karam Textile Mills ensures best possible care of its employees in every way, and this partnership is a testament to its commitment towards the achievement of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal # 03 – to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all of all ages.
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, such initiatives by large businesses are the need of the hour to make sure that the health of employees is not compromised. While we have witnessed our textile sector grow by leap and bounds last year, especially in exports, ethical working conditions are imperative to highlight a positive side of Pakistan and build a sustainable working model. Textile giants like Al-Karam stepping up in this aspect, it sets a strong precedent for other businesses to follow lead.
Al-Karam Textile Mills is the first Fair Trade USA certified company of Pakistan; The Fair Trade seal on Al-Karam Textile Mills products indicates that the business has passed rigorous standards, and specifically focuses on health and safety, positive working conditions and fair wages that are in line with several sustainable development goals.
