The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) has fervently appealed to the Sindh government to lift restrictions on the textile downstream supply chain, emphasizing the urgent need to resume operations to prevent a looming unemployment crisis.
Zahid Mazhar, Chairman of APTMA Sindh-Balochistan Region, released a statement on Thursday urging the provincial government to permit the entire textile value chain to restart production activities promptly. He warned that a failure to do so would jeopardize the survival of the textile industry in the province, potentially leading to complete closure and a surge in unemployment.
Despite the recent authorization for certain textile industries to resume operations, Mazhar stressed that the downstream textile industry, encompassing weaving, knitting, stitching, processing, and garmenting, must also be allowed to restart to complete the business cycle of the textile export industry. Currently, the industry is operating at less than 50 percent of its capacity due to the ongoing lockdown.
Mazhar highlighted that the textile industry, having adhered to all prescribed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for virus prevention, is facing severe liquidity problems under the current lockdown conditions in Sindh. The inability to pay utility bills and employee wages has compounded the industry’s challenges.
The APTMA Chairman proposed that enabling the entire business cycle of the textile industry, including its downstream operations, is the only viable solution to overcome the current economic challenges. Failure to act swiftly, he warned, could result in irreversible damage to the export market, leading to a significant loss of foreign exchange and exacerbating unemployment levels.
Expressing concern over the economic slowdown in the province, Mazhar cautioned that the repercussions could extend to a shortfall in provincial revenue, escalating unemployment, and potential law and order issues. He specifically addressed Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah, urging the adoption of a smart lockdown policy that would permit the complete textile value chain to operate under strict adherence to precautionary SOPs.
Mazhar pointed out that the world is gradually easing lockdown measures, with the industry witnessing an influx of new orders and a revival of previously suspended orders. Urging the Sindh government to issue directives facilitating the resumption of operations, he emphasized the significance of safeguarding Karachi, which constitutes approximately 52 percent of the country’s total exports, from financial losses and potential bankruptcies.
In conclusion, Zahid Mazhar stressed the need for a strategic approach to save the province of Sindh from an impending economic crisis, underscoring the importance of rescuing the country’s largest export-oriented sector and preserving vital employment opportunities in these challenging times.
