KARACHI, Nov 19: The central office of the premier trade body — All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) — in Karachi was closed down on Wednesday for “unavoidable reasons” by Waqar Monnoo whose election as chairman is being challenged by the 26 members of the Managing Committee.

“Yes, I ordered the closure of the office in self-defence,” Waqar Monnoo told Dawn by telephone late Wednesday evening. He contended that his life and honour was in danger and so were the lives of 25 employees of the Aptma office.

He said that he had sought an undertaking from the 26 dissenting members of the Managing Committee to “assure me the protection of my life and honour and also those of the employees through Karachi police”. Waqar said that he wanted an assurance to continue operating as the elected chairman of Aptma.

When asked if he was contemplating any legal action to protect his office, he replied: “I am in touch with my friends and considering all options.”

Shahid Anwar Tata, who was a rival candidate of Waqar Monnoo in the October elections and lost by a very narrow margin, had alleged serious irregularities. He told Dawn on Wednesday that Mr Madni, who is the chairman of Aptma Sindh-Balochistan circle and sits in the same building of Aptma’s central office, was not allowed to enter his office in the noon.

“When Madni went to attend to his office at about 11.30 am or 12 in the noon on Wednesday, he was stopped by the private security guards,” he said and alleged that these guards were from the textile mills of Waqar Monnoo.

Mr Shahid said the closure of the office had resulted in suspension of day to day work for the members. Aptma members export yarn and get their export order and price registered and obtain a certificate from the Aptma central office.

“About 50 to 60 such EPCs are issued every day,” he added. He said that if the Aptma office remained closed beyond Eidul Fitr than containers of exportable yarn would get stuck up in Karachi and Aptma members may suffer financial losses.

When asked to explain his position in Aptma, Shahid Tata said he had been elected as convener of Aptma by the majority of the Managing Committee.

“The Managing Committee has not elected Waqar Monnoo as the chairman and hence cannot pass a vote of no confidence,” a close associate and friend of Waqar Monnoo said. He said the chairman is elected by the General Body. If any one has doubt on the election of Monnoo as chairman then he should requisite a meeting of the General Body according to the Aptma’s Article of Association.

“It is a sad day for Aptma,” he remarked and pointed out that what was more unfortunate was the fact that senior members of Aptma who should have arbitrated in this matter were involved in this controversy and have become a party.

Aptma’s future now looks uncertain. While the richest men of Pakistan fight among themselves on elections issue, the employees of Aptma wait for the disbursement of sala-ries before Eid. “It looks difficult,” one of the employees remarked.