Chairman Salt Manufacturers Association of Pakistan (SMAP), Ismail Suttar, while expressing deep concern over the recent incidents of property seizure happening in Sindh province, and has drawn the attention of Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah to the illegal occupation of Hirjina Salt Works lands, said that the growing land mafia has crossed all its limits, and are now attacking industries in plain sight.
In an appeal, Ismail Suttar requested Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah that the land mafia be reined in and protection should be provided to industries established within Interior Sindh.
“Hirjina Salt & Chemicals (Pak) (Pvt) Ltd was established in 1952, provided employment to hundreds of workers in the rural area of Sindh, and has taken care of livelihood of their families for decades”, he said, adding that since its inception the company has carried out its business transactions legally and has registered with SECP for transparent dealings. Unfortunately, the rising land mafia has stood against them in confiscating their properties which has put their business at risk of cessation.
Ismail pointed out that the company was currently encountering frequent visits from individuals who claim to be from the local government, and were advocating an influential business tycoon to fulfil the stated demands says Ismail. The workers and local people showed their solidarity with company and protested against the perpetrators by blocking the main entrance and highway, however it was soon unblocked by the company to avoid any retaliations and look forward to law and justice to deal with the situation.
“Hirjina has already filed a CP in the Hon’ble High Court, but the closure of the factory for five days has cause massive delay in daily operations and significant loss to the company”, he said.
Ismail added that the offenders was ignorant of the labor community and especially people who depends on daily wages to feed their families. This incident was putting negative strain on the lives of hundreds of families who are forced to plunge into the darkness of poverty.
“SMAP stands in solidarity with Hirjina Salt & Chemicals, and urges the concerned authorities to take immediate action to resolve this issue and provide protection to the salt works. This incident was a clear violation of the rights of salt producers, and we will not tolerate such actions.”Ismail Suttar requested the Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah to take strict actions against the offenders if these illegal attempts are not stopped. He assured that SMAP will take every legal step against such elements of the society to safeguard the rights of salt producers in Pakistan.
