Management of Chemicals in Pakistan: Concerns and challenges

The Chemical Industry has gradually attained central role in modern and transitioning economies of the world. Globally, the trade in chemicals is generating business in trillions of dollars. For instance, the chemical industry in the U.S. is amongst the top exporters; and based on its significance out of seventy-seven industrial sectors the chemical industry ranks ninth. (Murmann, 2002) The chemical products are extremely important for national economy, and the strong dependence between chemical industry and other industries is mutually reinforcing. Therefore, few targeted attacks against chemical infrastructure can have consequences far greater than the immediate deaths and destructions. (Dixon, 2002) Handling chemicals at any stage is cumbersome and risky. Therefore, the safety and security of chemicals and related facilities has immense importance for avoiding the chemical accidents, preventing inadvertent and deliberate misuse of chemicals.