Hyderabad’s centuries-old glass bangle industry, Pakistan’s largest and most important center for glass bangle manufacturing, faces a serious threat from persistent gas load shedding, low gas pressure, and rising fuel costs, with industry leaders warning that the livelihoods of more than 200,000 people are at stake.
These concerns were voiced during a meeting between a delegation of the Hyderabad Glass Bangle Manufacturers Association and the newly elected leadership of the Hyderabad Chamber of Small Traders & Small Industry (HCSTSI). The delegation, led by its President Haji Saleem Khan, met HCSTSI President Nadeem Ahmed Siddiqui, Senior Vice President Muhammad Fahad Mian, Vice President Irfan Arbiani and other office-bearers to discuss the challenges confronting the industry.
Speaking on the occasion, Haji Saleem Khan said the glass bangle sector is one of Hyderabad’s most significant cottage industries and a major source of employment for thousands of families. He noted that gas shortages and low pressure were severely disrupting production activities and threatening the continuation of manufacturing operations.
He further pointed out that while LPG could serve as an alternative fuel, its availability and pricing remained major concerns. According to industry representatives, the official LPG price is substantially lower than prevailing market rates, making it difficult for manufacturers to procure the fuel needed to keep production lines running.
HCSTSI President Nadeem Ahmed Siddiqui said the glass bangle industry is not only a vital economic sector but also an important part of Pakistan’s traditional handicraft and manufacturing heritage. He emphasized that more than 200,000 people directly and indirectly depend on the industry for their livelihood and warned that continued neglect of its problems could have serious social and economic consequences.
He said that despite increasing revenue collection targets, industries must be provided with the basic infrastructure and utilities necessary for sustainable operations. He assured the delegation that the Chamber would take up the matter with relevant government departments and work closely with industry stakeholders to seek a lasting solution.
The Chamber President further stressed that prolonged gas load shedding, low pressure and escalating energy costs had placed the industry under tremendous strain. He reaffirmed HCSTSI’s commitment to advocating for uninterrupted gas supply and supportive policies to safeguard one of Pakistan’s most recognizable traditional industries.
The meeting concluded with both sides agreeing on the need for immediate government intervention to ensure stable energy supplies, protect employment and preserve the future of Pakistan’s glass bangle manufacturing sector, which remains a key contributor to Hyderabad’s economy and a source of livelihood for thousands of workers and their families.
