Luxury fashion brand Hugo Boss has become the 36th company to sign the Pakistan Accord, which aims to protect workers' rights and promote safer working conditions in the textile and garment industry.

The accord is an extension of the International Accord for Health and Safety in the Textile and Garment Industry, which was formed after the Rana Plaza tragedy in Bangladesh in 2013. Hugo Boss, which is also a signatory of the larger accord, sources from Interloop Limited, a prominent hosiery maker that also supplies to other brands including Adidas, Nike, H&M, and Target.

Launched in 2021, the Pakistan Accord is expected to cover 500 to 700 facilities and tens of thousands of workers, with 110 companies currently expected to sign up. The accord is legally binding and requires signatories to carry out inspections, remediate any safety hazards identified, and establish an independent complaints mechanism to ensure workers' voices are heard. Signatories are also required to provide safety training to workers.

The textile and garment industry in Pakistan employs around 15 million people and is a major contributor to the country's economy. However, the sector has faced criticism in the past for poor working conditions and lack of worker protection. The Pakistan Accord seeks to address these issues and promote worker well-being.

Other brands that have signed the Pakistan Accord include Zara owner Inditex, American Eagle Outfitters, and Calvin Klein parent PVH Corp. However, Levi's has so far refused to sign the accord.