On assumption of charge as Chairman, All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) Asad Shafi has vowed to wholeheartedly concentrate on uplifting textile exports.

In a statement issued immediately after his taking responsibilities as Chairman APTMA, Shafi said that Pakistan’s textile industry has the capacity to deliver an additional $3 billion in exports during the current year and increase exports by $10 billion within the next two to three years through targeted new investment, provided the industry is given a competitive and predictable business environment. He said that it would be his foremost priority to work with the Government and industry towards a major expansion in value-added exports, investment and employment.

Shafi said that Pakistan is amongst the few countries in the world with complete textile value chain from fibre to fashion covering all stages of spinning, weaving, processing, finishing, garments, apparel and home textiles. He added that hence onwards the sole objective of APTMA would be to use the strength of this entire domestic supply chain to produce and export increasingly value-added finished products. The greater the share of domestic inputs and processes that goes into our exports, the greater the value retained within Pakistan in the form of employment, investment, industrial activity and foreign exchange,”

Newly elected Chairman APTMA said that Pakistan has already made considerable progress expanding value-added exports as more than 80 percent of textile exports comprise value-added consumer products, including apparel and home textiles. The next opportunity is to move beyond manufacturing alone and capture a greater share of the value generated after a product leaves the factory. Manufacturing typically accounts for less than 30 percent of the final retail value of apparel, with substantial value generated through product development, design, branding, marketing and retail. Pakistan must therefore build on its manufacturing strength by developing stronger linkages between its manufacturers and brands, helping existing Pakistani brands expand internationally and enabling manufacturers to develop brands and retail channels of their own.

Asad Shafi said developing this connection between manufacturing, branding and international retail would be one of APTMA’s key priorities in the coming years. In line with this objective, APTMA is also broadening its membership base beyond its existing representation of spinners, weavers and value-added manufacturers to include major Pakistani textile and apparel brands and retailers, bringing the entire value chain onto a common platform. Pakistan must continue increasing exports of manufactured products, but at the same time seek to capture a greater share of the final value of those products in international markets. 

“This is the next frontier for Pakistan’s textile exports. We should not only manufacture a product in Pakistan; we should increasingly design it, brand it, market it and sell it internationally as well,” he said.

Chairman APTMA urged the Government to facilitate this transition by easing foreign exchange and regulatory restrictions that constrain investment in overseas warehousing, distribution, marketing and retail operations, and by developing an enabling framework for ecommerce and retail-oriented shipments from Pakistan.

Asad Shafi stressed that the goal of increasing exports can only be realized if fundamental cost of doing business was brought in line with competing economies. He called for industrial electricity at ¢7/kWh, gas at $7/MMBtu, and financing at 7 percent per annum to compete with regional competitors and expand exports.

The Chairman also called for restoration of DLTL support for exports and immediate measures to improve exporters’ liquidity, particularly through expeditious payment of outstanding sales tax, income tax and other government refunds.

“Pakistan does not need to build an export industry from scratch. Our textile value chain has matured over decades and today possesses deep manufacturing expertise, a large skilled workforce, established relationships with international buyers and significant installed capacity across the supply chain. Pakistani companies are already producing sophisticated products for some of the world’s most demanding brands and markets. The immediate opportunity is to utilize this base much more effectively. With competitive energy and financing costs, adequate liquidity and a policy environment that encourages investment and international expansion, the industry can increase exports substantially from existing capacity in the near term while undertaking the investment required for the next phase of growth,” Asad Shafi said.

Asad Shafi added that APTMA would work closely with the Government during his tenure on a practical roadmap to increase exports, strengthen every segment of the domestic textile value chain, attract new investment and establish Pakistani textile manufacturers and brands as a much stronger presence in global markets.

https://aptma.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/PRESS-RELEASE-FINAL-APTMA-Chairman-Asad-Shafi-Sets-Out-Priorities-for-10-Billion-Increase-in-Textile-Exports.pdf

APTMA demands Government to save Textile Economy

All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) in its 67th Annual General Meeting has demanded the government to save textile industry and to upsurge exports by providing regionally competitive business environment.
The meeting was attended by leading textile manufacturers and exporters including Dr. Gohar Ejaz, Patron in Chief APTMA, Mr. S. M. Tanveer, Patron in Chief United Business Group (UBG), Mr. Kamran Arshad, outgoing Chairman, Mr. Asad Shafi, newly elected Chairman, former Chairmen, Mr. Ahsan Bashir, Abdul RahimNasir, Mr. Adil Bashir, Syed Ali Ahsan, Mr. Asif Inam and Mr. Raza Baqir, Secretary General. At the meeting Mr. Raza Baqir, Secretary General official announced results of elections both at Center and Zonal bodies.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Gohar Ejaz congratulated newly elected Office Bearers and members of the Center and Zonal Managing Committees. He said that it was an unprecedented 17th year of consecutive victory in the elections of APTMA both at Center and Zonal levels. He said that it was great honour to be elected in the largest trade body of the country established since 1957. He added that APTMA and textile industry have always strived for Pakistan and its economic autonomy. Gohar hoped that the newly-elected leadership would work hard to strengthen the export potential of the textile industry.
Gohar said textile exports of the country are stagnant owing to multiple issues especially energy tariff, abnormally high taxation and rising cost of doing business. He apprised that consequent to hectic efforts made by his Group, Regionally Competitive Energy Tariff was approved by the Government for export oriented sectors both for electricity and gas but it was withdrawn abruptly severely affecting exports. He said that due attention was not being paid to the textile industry which is providing employment to about ten million people and contributing more than 60% of total exports.
Gohar said that textile industry was equipped to add more than $10 Billion in one year’s time if conducive business environment is provided to textile industry. With the view to foster exports and boost up economy of the country, Gohar unveiled his vision for future economy and announced launching of initiative for value added exports. He said that in line with the said vision Center Chairman has worked from fibre to fashion. Similarly, Chairman North Zone is from garment sector and is one of the largest exporters of value added textiles.
Mr. S. M. Tanveer highly appreciated the role of APTMA in the economy of the country and highlighted contributions made by APTMA in controlling pest attack on cotton crop. He urged the government to facilitate trade and industry being 60% partner in the profits of businesses. He expressed the confidence that through facilitative mode local industry can impressively contribute for uplifting exports.
Outgoing Chairman Kamran Arshad thanked Dr. Gohar Ejaz for all his support, vision and guidance to put textile sector on right track. He also thanked all APTMA members for their continued support during his chairmanship.
Kamran Arshad in his parting speech said that Pakistan’s Textile and Apparel industry has enormous potential but the potential can not be fully realized unless cost of doing business becomes globally competitive. He stressed for making energy at competitive rates. He said that taxation must encourage investment and exports rather than penalizing and humiliating exporters. Government must provide stability and predictability required for business to make long term investment decisions. He added imports showed be facilitated while protecting domestic value chain from massive dumping of imports critically causing severe injury to local industry.
Asad Shafi, newly elected Chairman said Pakistan’s GDP had fallen to USD 450 Billion, and that agricultural and industrial output have declined to the lowest levels. He said the country’s population was rising fast, with 6 to 7 million births annually, while exports remained stuck below USD 30 Billion , forcing the younger generation to leave the country.
Chairman APTMA said that Pakistan had fallen behind in global competitiveness due to declining cotton production and stagnant exports noting that electricity costs more than ¢11/kWh in Pakistan against ¢6/kWh in neighboring countries.
Mr. Naveed Ahmed, Senior Vice Chairman Kh. Muhammad Anees, Vice Chairman, Mr. Ahmad Sahif, Vice Chairman ((Value Added), Mr. Muhammad Siddique Bhatti, Chairman North Zone and Mr. Faizan Irfan, Chairman South Zone also spoke on the occasion and stressed upon the need for upsurging textile exports to $ 50 Billion. They urged APTMA members to diversify their businesses and to venture in value added segments to earn more foreign exchange for the country and to provide more employment opportunities especially to female workforce.

EU Ambassador and APTMA explore strategies for extension of GPS Plus

LAHORE: His Excellency Raimundas Karoblis, Ambassador of European Union had extensive discussion with the leadership of All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) to strategize ways and means for extension of GPS Plus beyond 2027.
The Ambassador visited APTMA House Lahore on Friday along with Mr. Kert Ajamaa, First Secretary, Mr. Theis Munksgaard-Hansen, Manager Development Cooperation and Mr. Husnain A. Iftakhar, Sr. Economist / Trade Advisor where he was warmly received by APTMA office bearers, including Mr. Kamran Arshad Chairman, Mr. Asad Shafi Chairman Elect, Mr. Siddique Javed Bhatti Chairman North, Mr. Habib Anwar Sheikh Senior Vice Chairman North, Mr. Muhammad Ali Vice Chairman North, Mr. Haroon Elahi, Mr. Muhammad Anees Khawaja, Mr. Naveed Gulzar, Dr. Muhammad Haris, Mr. Shaiq Jawed, Mr. Ahmad Shafi, Mr. S.M Nabeel, Mr. Danish Aslam, Mr. Asad Kamal, Mr. Ismail Fareed Sheikh, Mr. Shahzad Ahmad Sheikh, Mr. Faisal Jawed, Mr. Sufyan Akhtar, Mr. Shahzad Asghar, Mr. Shahrukh Naveed, Ms. Mehwish Tariq and Secretary General Mr. Raza Baqir along with other senior members of the Association.
The visiting envoy said Pakistan would have to show progress on implementation and legislation of various laws and conventions necessary for availing GSP Plus status.
He urged business community in general and the exporters in particular to adopt immediate measures for implementation of the requisite conventions and to engage with the government with reference to the concerns of the European Union Commission especially those relating to human and labour rights, governance and environment issues to facilitate the path for future extension of GSP Plus for the next ten years.
Ambassador appreciated the textile industry for complying with the sustainability issues, saying that it was high on the list of the EU against applications for revival of the facility.
Earlier speaking on the occasion, Kamran Arshad Chairman APTMA said EU is Pakistan’s largest trading partner and the facility of GSP Plus has enabled Pakistan’s textile industry to compete in the region. He said that GPS Plus has enabled Pakistan to export 78% of its products with duty free status in EU countries and eventually enhance its share in exports to EU, which has ultimately led to more employment, investment and technology upgradation besides encouraging foreign investment in Pakistan.
Kamran said the facility has played a huge role in Pakistan’s targeting to a Green Future and Zero Carbon emission, as several textile companies are expected to achieve zero net carbon emission by 2050.
Stressing on continuation of GSP plus facility until the economic stability of Pakistan, Chairman APTMA said the country’s exports can reap further benefits from the facility through further diversification. He apprehended that withdrawal of GSP Plus will plummet Pakistan’s exports besides removing edge and competitiveness over its competitors. The industry will suffer loss of not less than one trillion rupees per annum and will also be exposed to massive unemployment, large scale closure of mills and increase in poverty.
Kamran said that withdrawal of GPS Plus will have dominos effect collapsing banking sector as more than 40% of bank loans are obtained by textile sector. Real estate, goods transport and allied industries will suffer adversely causing massive unrest and severe set back to a series of initiatives relating to environment, human rights, labor and gender rights, anti-corruption, narcotics control etc.
Mr. Asad Shafi Chairman North told the visiting EU ambassador that the textile industry has imported textile machinery from the EU member countries under its expansion plan worth billions of dollars. He hoped that GSP Plus facility will be extended in future to help Pakistan in poverty alleviation and improvement of take home salaries of workers due to enhancement of their skill. He urged the ambassador to facilitate in early finalization of FTA between Pakistan and EU on the pattern of India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) before any withdrawal of GPS Plus.
Asad Shafi also updated the Ambassador about the APTMA’s strong advocacy for GSP+ compliances and active role in development of Pakistan’s compliance infrastructure. He explained about the facilitative, regulatory and dispute settlement roles of the proposed National Compliance Entity. He assured the Ambassador about APTMA’s full commitment to meeting GSP Plus obligations, addressing compliance gaps, reinforcing efforts relating to compliances and active engagement with the government and all stakeholders until the GSP Plus reapplication process is completed and a comprehensive National Action Plan is successfully developed.

APTMA Warns Transport Strike Is Disrupting Textile Exports and Production

Islamabad, 16th August 2026: The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association has expressed serious concern over the ongoing nationwide transporters’ strike, which has severely disrupted movement of export consignments, imported raw materials, and industrial inputs across the country.
APTMA Chairman Mr. Kamran Arshad said the prolonged suspension of freight movement is directly affecting Pakistan’s textile and apparel sector, which depends on timely movement of cotton, yarn, fabric, dyes, chemicals, accessories, machinery parts, and export shipments.
He said containers are stuck at ports and terminals, while exporters are facing delays in meeting shipment deadlines. The disruption is also creating shortages of raw materials and may force mills to curtail production if normal transport operations are not restored immediately.
Mr. Arshad warned that delays in export shipments can damage Pakistan’s credibility with international buyers and lead to cancellation of orders, penalties, and loss of future business. He said the textile sector which is already facing high energy costs, liquidity pressure, and intense regional competition, and cannot absorb further disruption in the supply chain.
Over the past year, similar disruptions in transport and logistics have affected export shipments and caused serious losses to industry. Such disruptions weaken Pakistan’s reliability as a supplier and make it harder for exporters to retain international buyers.
He said textile exports account for over 60% of Pakistan’s total exports, yet they are stagnating at a time when export growth is most critical for the country. Any further disruption to the textile supply chain will directly affect foreign exchange earnings, industrial production, and employment.
APTMA urged the Federal Government and all concerned authorities to immediately engage with transporters and resolve the issue through dialogue. It also requested the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, port authorities, shipping lines, and terminal operators to waive demurrage and detention charges incurred due to the strike.
Mr. Arshad said swift restoration of the supply chain is essential to protect exports, industrial production, employment, and foreign exchange earnings.

Kamran Arshad

Chairman APTMA

https://aptma.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Press-Release-16-Aug-2026-APTMA-Warns-Transport-Strike-Is-Disrupting-Textile-Exports-and-Production.pdf

Lahore July 7, 2026: A high-level meeting was held today at the Agriculture Department, Lahore, to review the current cotton crop situation in Punjab and discuss future strategies for the revival of cotton in Punjab.

https://aptma.org.pk/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Press-Release-7-July-2026-APTMA-Chairman-Meets-Punjab-Agriculture-Minister-and-Secretary-Agriculture-Punjab.pdf