Uninterrupted supply of gas, water to textile industry demanded

KARACHI: Vice Chairman and Regional In-charge (Karachi Region) of the All Pakistan Textile Processing Mills Association (APTPMA), Muammad Rizwan Lakhani has urged the government to ensure an uninterrupted supply of gas and water to the textile processing industry on a priority basis and formulate a practical policy to bring electricity tariffs down to competitive levels in line with the industrial energy costs of regional competitor countries.

He said that Pakistan’s textile processing industry is currently facing serious challenges due to persistent shortages of gas and water, coupled with rising electricity tariffs.

The unreliable supply of energy and essential industrial utilities is continuously increasing production costs, making Pakistani products more expensive than those of competing countries in the international market.

On the other hand, rising global petroleum prices are also driving up the prices of dyes and chemicals, further adding to the production costs of the textile processing industry. These increasing input costs are putting additional financial pressure on the industry and undermining the competitiveness of Pakistani textile products in the global market.

Rizwan Lakhani said that the textile processing industry plays a vital role in the country’s exports, employment generation and industrial development. However, under the prevailing circumstances, it is becoming increasingly difficult for industrialists to sustain production activities and fulfil international buyers’ orders at competitive prices.

He proposed introducing long-term and predictable energy tariffs for export-oriented industries, reviewing additional surcharges and unnecessary financial burdens on industrial electricity bills, and facilitating industries in adopting renewable energy sources, particularly solar power and other alternative energy solutions.

He further emphasized the need to improve water availability through the establishment of water treatment and recycling plants in industrial areas, along with providing easy financing facilities and incentives for investment in modern technologies and wastewater treatment systems.

The Chairman of APTPMA said that the government and the industrial sector must engage in effective consultation to develop a long-term industrial policy aimed at reducing production costs, improving product quality and enhancing export capacity.

Rizwan Lakhani further stressed that the textile processing industry should be provided with appropriate duty and tax concessions on the import of modern machinery, timely payment of export-related refunds, and special incentives for technological upgradation.

He said that if the government addresses the issues of gas, water and electricity on a priority basis and provides the industry with policy stability and a business-friendly environment, Pakistan will be better positioned to compete effectively with China, Bangladesh, India and other rival countries in the global textile market.

This would not only significantly boost national exports but also strengthen foreign exchange reserves, generate employment opportunities and contribute to the overall stability of the national economy.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026