Rizwan Lakhani, Vice Chairman of the All Pakistan Textile Processing Mills Association (APTPMA), said Pakistan’s textile processing industry faces major challenges from ongoing gas and water shortages and rising electricity tariffs. These issues are driving up production costs, making Pakistani products less competitive globally.

He emphasized the textile industry’s importance for exports, job creation, and industrial development, but warned that current conditions hinder production and competitiveness. Lakhani urged the government to ensure a stable supply of gas and water, reduce electricity tariffs, and introduce long-term energy policies for export-oriented industries.

He also called for improved water management through recycling plants, easy financing for modern technologies, and tax concessions for machinery imports. Lakhani stressed the need for effective government-industry collaboration to establish a long-term industrial policy that enhances competitiveness, boosts exports, and positively impacts the national economy.