Citing soaring energy prices and poor policies, textile exporters in Pakistan have accused the interim government of intruding into economic matters and causing a disaster. 

Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, Chief Coordinator, Value-Added Textile Forum; Mubashar Naseer Butt, Chairman, Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PRGMEA);  Muhammad Usman, Towel Manufacturers & Exporters Association and Khalid Majeed, Chairman, Denim Manufacturers & Exporters Association jointly held the interim setup for the economic downturn.

According to them, repeated gas and electricity price increases, coupled with a weak rupee, have escalated input costs and stifled manufacturing growth.

The industry faces gas cuts twice a week with high discount rate of 22 per cent, and expensive export financing. Exports have plunged by 12.71 per cent Y-o-Y, falling short of the target by 16.61 per cent.

Many exporters have stopped production or fear closure due to unviable trade conditions. Gas tariffs have risen by a staggering 191 per cent, with exporters forced to pay a premium compared to other sectors.

Many of the exporters have also accused the government of planning further gas price hikes and lacking industry representation in regulatory bodies. They have urged the Prime Minister to intervene, meet with stakeholders, and find solutions to the energy crisis plaguing the textile industry.