APROPOS the column `Dangerous industry` by Zeenat Hisam (May 15), the construction industry is the second largest sector after agriculture in Pakistan and comprises 4.5 million workers.

It consists of a troika comprising the state (policy maker), the industrialist and labour. In case of any mishap, the state and industrialist are primarily responsible whereas labour cannot be blamed because of lacl< of education and requisite skills for the job.

On May 17, the media reported the collapse of a double-storey building in Multan. It is shocking to learn that two families were living on the first floor and ground floor of the building. The question arises as to who allowed workers to construct a wall on the second floor ignoring safety rules? I want to further ask the concerned authority, do the construction rules permit executing work on an additional floor of a multistorey building without ensuring vacation of the first and ground floors? This issue needs to be probed by the Punjab government and those responsible held to account.

Engr. R. Riaz Akbar Wah Cantt