I WISH to draw the attention of the prime minister towards the sufferings and pathetic working conditions of the employees of Pakistan Cotton Standards Institute under the administrative control of the ministry of textile industry.

When this organisation was created through heavy international financial and technical support from UNDP, FAO and Asian Development Bank, it was presumed that it would be of prime importance of cotton sector and accordingly would lead to enhanced textile export.

But poor management of the ministry of textile industry has made this a very infeasible and burden on national exchequer.

Many important posts, for example, director of the institute, are lying vacant for the last 15 years and the employees of this organisation are the worst sufferer.

Non-payment of regular salaries and lack of possibility of promotion and other benefits have made them virtually mentally disturbed and an inefficient lot.

I request the prime minister to order an immediate inquiry of PCSI matters in the greatest interest of the Government of Pakistan and the employees.

BAKHTIAR AHMED Karachi