Sialkot is the soil which has produced remarkable and renowned personalities in the all fields of life including poetry, sports, politics and industry. Government of Pakistan has awarded the Sialkot with Hilal-e-Istiqlal for their bravery and patriotism during the war in 1965.
Another feather has been added in the crown of Sialkot while the son of its soil Ijaz A. Khokhar has been bestowed with the Sitara-e-Imtiaz by President of Islamic Republic of Pakistan on 14th August 2007, in recognition of his marvellous achievements in the field of industry. Mr Ijaz A. Khokhar is the Managing Director of Ashraf Industries (Pvt) Ltd. One of the leading exporter of the Martial Arts uniforms.
Sitara-e-Imtiaz would be awarded to him on 23rd March 2008 in a prestigious ceremony at President House Islamabad. Ijaz A. Khokhar was born on 3rd July 1953 in Sialkot. Proceeding his early education, he did his matriculation from Pilot Secondary School in 1969. He did his B.Sc. From Murray College Sialkot in 1973. After graduation, he joined Ashraf Industries (Pvt) Ltd under the kind supervision of his late father Haji Muhammad Ashraf Khokhar. Mr Ijaz A. Khokhar is not only the Managing Director of Ashraf Industries but also is the founding executive member of Asian Apparel Federation.
He is the life member of Pakistan Chamber of Commerce & Industry and also the Trustee of Sialkot Dry Port. Ijaz Khokhar remained the Chairman of Ready Made Garments Association and Vice-Chairman of Pakistan Judo Federation. Presently he is the Chairman of Pakistan Taikwando Federation.
Ijaz A. Khokhar has told that Pakistan contributes to the turn of 30% share in International Markets of Martial Arts Garments. He is of the view that if consistent long term policies be adopted by the Government by giving tangible incentives to the investors, this share could be boosted by 40 to 50 percent.
He emphasised that a fully equipped training institute is a must to train men and woman as skilled labour who are certainly the back bone of garment industry. He added that Martial Arts Uniforms are made in four countries - Pakistan. China, Japan and Taiwan. Pakistan could score better position among them if the industry is facilitated by the Government. While discussing the Commerce Policy, he insisted that the exports of raw material should be discouraged to avoid the facilitation of those manufacturers who import our raw material on cheap prices and stand face to face before us in international competition. He emphasised that the export of value added finished goods must be encouraged.
This would not only enhance our exports but also would generate employment opportunities for our people. While referring to exports from Sialkot which is 20% of the total in Garment Sector, he emphasised that exporters of Sialkot should be facilitated by the Government by providing them with Tax holiday and other relaxation, so that they could enhance export to earn precious Foreign Exchange for the country. He appreciated the opening of Airport at Sialkot which has opened the doors for buyers from all over the world to visit this export-oriented city in persuasion of their business deals.