LAHORE: The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (Aptma) has revealed that as many as hundred mills have announced to close their units if the federal government fails to address commercial non-viability and complete gas suspension.
Aptma Punjab Chairman Aamir Fayyaz, addressing a press conference after holding a general body meeting of the association, said that the association will call a conference of stakeholders of the entire textile chain, including value-added sector, this month to evolve a joint protest strategy.
He said that about 70 textile mills have already closed down in Punjab due to commercial non-viability and complete gas suspension by the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), while another 100 are ready to close businesses.
The Aptma leader dispelled the impression created by Finance Minister Ishaq Dar that the textile industry’s demands had been met by the government, saying what the government had offered fulfilled the demands having least financial impact.
Aptma group leader Gohar Ejaz told media it was ironical that the government had yet to appoint a textiles minister as the industry had run from pillar to post for redressal of its grievances.
