Many small industries shut down in southern Punjab

Power outages, law and order cause closure of industries in Punjab.

MULTAN: Small industries in southern Punjab have faced losses worth billions of rupees due to closure of 35 per cent businesses this year, thanks to prolonged power and gas outages, sources say.

These industries included power looms, spinning and ginning mills and other small businesses.

Besides, rampant crime has also taken its toll on small industries in southern Punjab during the year. According to reports, 72 people associated with different businesses, most of them working with small industries, have been killed in different incidents including murder and kidnapping for ransom.

Sources said the shutdown of industries and law and order situation have left thousands of people unemployed and affected more than 62,000 families. Out of the 62,000 families, 18,000 have been disturbed due to unemployment of female workers in cottage industries. A rise in poverty level has led to an increase in suicides among daily-wagers and others, directly or indirectly attached to small industries.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 26^th, 2010.