The Pakistan Accord, initiated in January 2023, has gained momentum as a Country Specific Safety Programme (CSSP) integrated into the broader framework of the renewed International Accord.

The primary objective of the Pakistan Accord is to elevate workplace health and safety standards within the Pakistani textile and garment industry.

Covering a spectrum of Cut-Make-Trim (CMT) facilities, including Ready-Made Garments (RMG), home textile, fabric, and knit accessories suppliers, the accord is set to expand its purview to encompass fabric mills in subsequent phases.

Brands aligning with the initiative make a firm commitment to not only adhere to the set safety standards but also to foster a long-term sourcing relationship with Pakistan.

Initial inspections, conducted from October to December 2023, focused on factories supplying Pakistan Accord signatory brands.

In 2023 global brands PVH Corp, H&M, Inditex, C&A, Bestseller, Otto Group, Hugo Boss, Next plc, Asos, Boohoo and Primark became signatories.

In December it was announced that 88 brands committed to workplace safety in the global garment industry by resigning the renewed Pakistan Accord.

The development came after the Clean Clothes Campaign criticised several brands including furniture retail company, IKEA and French sporting goods retailer Decathlon for failing to sign the International Accord, adding that these companies are “denying their workers access to the Accord’s training and complaint mechanism, and instead, relying on less rigorous social auditing methods, perpetuating risks to workers’ safety”.

The Pakistan Accord extends an open invitation to all garment and textile brands and retailers sourcing from Pakistan to join this initiative.