While talking to APP he expressed his opinion that Pakistan would have to import one million bales keeping in view the figures related to cotton production expectations this season.

He explained that Textile sector is expected to consume 15.5 million bales of lint which can be reduced to 15 million bales given the energy problem and the subsequent closure of textile units.

However, Khawaja Anis said the country would have a stock of 13 million cotton bales this year after the purchase of around one million bales by the exporters.

"The deficit of two million bales would have to be met by importing one million bales and the rest by the domestic ginning units as some of them are still in operation though the arrival of Phutti has slowed down",he explained.