Shabir Ahmed, Chairman Pakistan Bedwear Exports Association (PBEA) was surprised by Muhammad Javed Bilwani, the self-proclaimed leader of the value added sector’s claim that he represents the entire value added sector, when in reality, Bilwani does not. All individual associations are represented by their registered trade associations such as Garment Association, Towel Association, Fabric Association, etc, and Bilwani only represents a small sector of the Hosiery Association. Ahmed is unhappy by the fact that Bilwani was giving wrong export figures. For example, about knitted fitted bed sheets, Bilwani had said Pakistan exports was $750 million, while the correct figure is about $200.
Bilwani statement has not gone down well with PBEA as they believe it is damaging the sector. Pakistan’s exports are dipping, while unemployment rate are on the rise. Also, foreign exchange earnings are low, which is affecting the country’s economy badly.
Ahmed says PM Sharif should take immediate steps to halt the dip in exports and raise employment and industrialisation in the country. He further urged the PM to look deep at the quality of bureaucracy, and to make efforts to improve the economy.
