Pakistan heat exposes brand safety gap

Extreme heat is exposing garment workers in Karachi to fainting, lost wages and unsafe conditions, despite safety commitments from global brands including Inditex and Mango.

An Associated Press investigation interviewed more than a dozen workers. Siddiqui, a 28-year-old worker identified only by surname because she fears retaliation, said her supervisor told her to continue after she became unwell.

“The supervisor said, ‘Just complete this work,’” she told AP.

“Suddenly darkness came before my eyes.”

Workers described absent heat protocols, broken or inadequate fans, hot metal roofs and water that was rarely cold. All but one said heat-related illness caused them to lose wages.

The International Accord, a legally binding brand and union agreement, said in 2025 it would treat heat as a workplace safety risk and develop heat stress protocols. Those protocols remain under review and are not yet in effect.

Climate Rights International researcher Cara Schulte said brands must hold suppliers accountable for worker safety, including extreme heat