ISLAMABAD: All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) drew attention of the federal government on the issues related to energy costs, regulatory compliance and taxation, noting that cumulative cost pressures affect competitiveness in export markets.
Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb, along with Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, held a meeting Wednesday at Finance Division with a delegation of the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) and assured the industry of the government’s continued engagement to address key challenges facing the textile sector.
During the meeting, the ministers emphasized that the textile industry remains a cornerstone of Pakistan’s economy due to its significant contribution to exports, employment and industrial activity, and reiterated the government’s resolve to support its sustainability within the broader economic reform framework.
The ministers further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining a fair and predictable policy environment for businesses, highlighting the importance of equity, transparency and broad-based participation across the economy.
It was emphasized that efforts are underway to address genuine concerns of compliant sectors, while advancing structural reforms through consultation and institutional processes. The finance minister acknowledged the concerns raised by the delegation and stated that the government is actively reviewing various issues affecting the cost of doing business for export-oriented industries.
He noted that energy affordability and reliability remain important priorities and that relevant options are being examined in consultation with concerned ministries and stakeholders to improve efficiency and competitiveness, while ensuring fiscal responsibility and system sustainability.
Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb underlined that reforms in the energy sector are being pursued in a balanced manner to support industrial productivity and protect the long-term interests of the national economy.
He noted that immediate issues requiring attention are being reviewed on priority, while broader policy matters would be taken forward through established budgetary and reform mechanisms. Issues related to operational constraints and supply-side challenges in certain industrial areas were also discussed, with the ministers assuring the delegation that coordination with relevant authorities would continue to ensure smooth industrial operations.
The importance of maintaining constructive engagement between the Government and industry was emphasized, particularly at a time of evolving domestic and international economic conditions.
Earlier, the APTMA delegation briefed the ministers on the prevailing situation of the textile sector and highlighted the pressures being faced by exporters in an increasingly competitive global environment. The delegation noted that changing international market dynamics and rising input costs have created challenges for the sector and underscored the need for a supportive and stable operating framework to sustain export growth and employment.
The delegation also drew attention to issues related to energy costs, regulatory compliance and taxation, noting that cumulative cost pressures affect competitiveness in export markets.
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The need for consistency in policies, timely resolution of operational issues and continued dialogue with the Government was emphasized to enable the industry to plan and invest with confidence.
The APTMA delegation comprised Kamran Arshad, chairman; Asad Shafi, chairman North Zone; Muhammad Jamil Qassim, senior vice chairman; Shahzad Ahmed Sheikh, vice chairman; Siddique Javed Bhatti, vice chairman; Aamir Fayyaz Sheikh, former chairman; Rahim Nasir, former chairman; Khurram Inam, senior member; Raza Baqir, secretary general; Asim Riaz, energy advisor; and Syed Absar Ali, senior economist. The meeting was also attended by Secretary Power Division and senior officials of the Finance and Revenue Division.
