FAISALABAD: Powerloom owners and workers on Monday called off their 4-day protest launched against the shortage of yarn after the Punjab government assured them that the provincial assembly would pass a resolution to redress their grievances and the chief minister would discuss the issue with the prime minister.

The Small powerlooms Association had launched the protest against the shortage and hoarding of yarn and had set up a protest camp at the Clock Tower intersection a week ago. They also brought out protest rallies in different areas on Saturday last against the behaviour of the textile ministry officials for not resolving the problem.

A delegation of the association led by chairman action committee Mirza Shafiq Ahmed and Rana Amin held meetings with two provincial ministers in Lahore on Sunday in which the ministers assured them that the Punjab government would submit its proposals to the federal government for immediate solution of the textile sector problems.

Talking to Dawn Mr Shafiq said that the Punjab government had requested them to call off of the agitation in view the critical law and order situation in the country and assured them that all issues would be resolved within four days.

Rana Amin said that after the Punjab government assurance the association had called off its strike temporarily and would resume its drive with full strength after the given period of four days.

Meanwhile, Pakistan Hosiery Manufactures and Exporters Association vice-chairman (north zone) Naeem Ahmed on Monday said that a number of spinning mills were exporting hundred per cent production of yarn to earn profits thus damaging the local textile industry that will force the manufacturers to lay off workers.

Addressing a press conference he said that the deliberate delay by the government functionaries to tackle the yarn crisis has risked jobs of a large number of workers. He suggested that the spinning mills should be restricted from exporting their entire production.