National Assembly Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has assured the textile industry associations of help for resolving all issues relating to industry revival, particularly the energy price difference between Punjab and other provinces.

APTMA Central Chairman Aamir Fayyaz, Group Leader Gohar Ejaz and representatives from all major associations, including APTMA, Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers Association, Council of Power Looms Association, Pakistan Textile Exporters Association, All Pakistan Textile Processing Mills Association and Pakistan Sweater Exporters Association welcomed him at the Association office.

The textile industry leadership mentioned that backward and forward linkages and allied sectors of the textile industry were facing problems. He stated that the prevailing difference in the energy price in Punjab was more than double to the energy price for mills in other provinces. All the manufacturing units of spinning, weaving, dyeing, readymade garments, hosiery, towel and other sectors were becoming redundant.

Gohar Ejaz pointed out that textile industry in Punjab was paying Rs 1300 per MMBTU for RLNG against Rs 600 per MMBTU in other provinces. Similarly, the imposition of Rs 3.60 per kWh electricity surcharge in the electricity bills was being charged which could not be passed on to the buyers in the international marketplace. He also stated that business equation in Punjab was being distorted, leading to the closure of mills in every sector of the industry.

Representatives from other textile industry value added associations has stated that the textile industry, as a matter of fact, had become un-competitive both within the country as well as the region.