GUJRAT: Scores of electric fan makers and factory workers staged a protest demonstration after the closure of their manufacturing units against an unprecedented hike in raw material prices, blocking of import shipments at sea port and unstable economic conditions.

The protesters gathered in front of the main gate of the small industrial estate area along old GT Road.

The participants were carrying banners and placards inscribed with their demands.

They chanted slogans against the `flawed` government policies that had been causing a huge loss to small and medium scale industry.

The factory workers also staged a sit-in on the GT road and demanded that the government address the issues relating to the fan industry otherwise thousands of factory workers mightbecome jobless.

Speaking to the participants, Pakistan electric fan manufacturers association (Pefma) chairman Umair Rafique said the employment of at least 100,000 people had been connected with the fan industry across the country.

He said in the previous year the electric fan industry had contributed $32 million through export of its products and in case of the prevailing situation, the industry might not be able to meet the export orders as well as the sales in domestic markets might also be affected.

Other speakers said the manufacturers had so far been unable to decide the prices of their products due to the volatile rates of the raw material and consistent depreciation of rupee against the US dollar.

They said the manufacturers were being compelled to close their units and `hand over the keys of their factories to the government.