LAHORE: Exporters and garment factory workers in Lahore, Sialkot and Faisalabad took out protest rallies against the shortage of yarn in the country.

They were holding placards and banners demanding from the government to resolve the yarn crisis otherwise thousands of workers could lose their jobs.

Apparel units observed complete strike in Faisalabad, which was the scene of violent protests where baton wielding factory workers burnt tyres, blocked roads and disrupted traffic for hours.

The leading apparel units of Lahore and Sialkot were operating normally.

The rally at Lahore was led by leading exporter Adil Butt. Rana Mushtaq Khan, Central Chairman of Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association led the procession at Faisalabad. Dr Khurrum Anwar Kahawaja Zonal Chairman of PHMA addressed a rally at Sialkot.

The protestors pressed their demand for a complete ban on export of yarn so that raw material could remain available to value added textile industry, which is the backbone of national economy.

They pointed out that in February 2010 quantitative ceilings were imposed on export of yarn but the players have been successful to neutralize its results by different ways, even the export quota restrictions were not observed and managed by government functionaries and in conveyance with customs people, much more than the allowed quantity of yarn was exported.

Some exporters of yarn got relief from the courts of law and the difficulties of industry were further aggravated.

A large number of industrialists and factory workers participated in rallies in major cities of Punjab and chanted slogans in support of their demands.