Former Caretaker Federal Minister Gohar Ejaz said Pakistan could get apparel and garment orders worth around $5 billion from Western clothing brands in two weeks. Ejaz added that the window of opportunity is only two weeks; otherwise, the orders will be placed in India, Vietnam, or Cambodia.

The former caretaker minister took to X on Thursday and stated, “I believe $5 billion worth of apparel and garment orders from Western clothing brands can shift from Bangladesh to Pakistan. The window of opportunity is only two weeks; otherwise, the orders will be placed in India, Vietnam, or Cambodia.”

He further stated that we are not viable at these energy prices of 16 cents and with the current taxation rules for the export supply chain. The way forward for the government is to; (1) decrease energy prices to 9 cents, (2) allow the domestic supply chain for exports under SRO 1125 immediately.

These steps will enable the textile industry to grab these orders, creating 5 million jobs and adding $5 billion in export earnings for the country.

Ejaz earlier stressed the importance of maintaining energy prices at 9 cents per unit for industries to ensure the survival of Pakistan’s industrial sector. He emphasised the critical role of energy prices in sustaining industrial growth and competitiveness in Pakistan.

Ejaz underscored the importance of maintaining energy prices at 9 cents per unit for industries, stating that it is crucial for survival in Pakistan’s industrial sector. He highlighted that industries shouldn’t shoulder the burden of subsidising other sectors, given their pivotal role in job creation, exports, and import substitution.