Industry in Thar

Thar needs a permanent solution to its problems. To address poverty, the government should develop and promote skills that enhance the social development of individuals. Among arts and crafts of the area, carpet manufacturing is an established cottage industry there. In Chachro Taluka alone, there are more than 6,000 handlooms. Tharis are masters in the art of weaving, sewing and needlework. We have so far overlooked this positive aspect of Tharis.

To realise the true potential of the talented but resource-starved people of Thar, it is advisable that the success story of the export-oriented garment industry in Bangladesh is studied for guidance. The cost of production is always an important factor in international trade. Labour in Thar is very cheap. Tharis have been working in different garment factories in Karachi. Under a technical cooperation agreement with South Korea, a group of about 100 young Tharis can be selected for training in the garment industry in that country. Training may also be imparted in sewing machines maintenance, factory management, raw material procurement, and export marketing. These trained people will be a real asset for Sindh and can help achieve Pakistan’s repeatedly missed export targets.

Muhammad Essa Jalbani

Karachi