THE decision of relocating the Pakistan Cotton Standards Institute (PCSI) from Karachi to Multan seems to have been taken without considering vital and critical issues associated with the textile industry. Apparently it seems to have been taken to accommodate a few cronies residing in Multan.

The PCSI was established with the international funding from the Asian Development Bank and the World Bank and with generous technical support from UNDP and FAO. While negotiating with these international agencies, this was categorically declared that the head office of the institute would be at Karachi with two regional offices at Sukkur and Multan. Accordingly, this fact was incorporated in the Cotton Standardisation Ordinance 2002.

This decision would seriously jeopardise the credibility of our decision-makers in the eyes of international agencies. Besides, it will put this prestigious organisation at a distance with the trading and financial of hub of Pakistan. On the other hand, a large number of employees would find it difficult to relocate their families in other city in this time of skyrocketing price hike and inflation.

I would like to request the prime minister to look into the matter and take corrective action so that this prestigious organisation could be saved from ensuing losses associated with this decision.

FRAZ AHMED

Karachi