Federal Minister for Finance and Revenue Muhammad Aurangzeb along with Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, held a meeting today at the 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. They reiterated the government’s resolve to support the sector’s 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. They noted that efforts are underway to address genuine concerns of compliant sectors while advancing structural reforms through consultation and established institutional processes.
The finance minister acknowledged the concerns raised by the delegation and said 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 key priorities and that relevant options are being examined in consultation with concerned ministries and stakeholders to enhance efficiency and competitiveness, while ensuring fiscal responsibility and system sustainability.
Aurangzeb underlined that energy sector reforms are being pursued in a balanced manner to support industrial productivity and safeguard the long-term interests of the national economy. He said that immediate issues requiring attention are being reviewed on a priority basis, while broader policy matters will be addressed through established budgetary and reform mechanisms.
Issues related to operational constraints and supply-side challenges in certain industrial areas were also discussed. The ministers assured the delegation that coordination with relevant authorities would continue to ensure smooth industrial operations. They emphasized the importance of maintaining constructive engagement between the government and industry, particularly amid evolving domestic and international economic conditions.
Earlier, the APTMA delegation briefed the ministers on the prevailing situation in the textile sector and highlighted the pressures faced by exporters in an increasingly competitive global environment. The delegation noted that shifting 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 are undermining competitiveness in export markets. It emphasized the need for policy consistency, timely resolution of operational issues, and continued dialogue with the government 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 the Secretary Power Division and senior officials of the Finance and Revenue Division.