The textile sector in Pakistan has opposed the four-day gas supply implemented in the Punjab province by the Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGPL), as it is adversely affecting the production of the textile industries of that region. Speaking to the media, Pakistan Textile Exporters Association (PTEA) officials said the limited gas supply has led to a subsequent fall in employment, export potential, growth and investment in the Punjab's textile sector.
Chairman of PTEA, Asghar Ali, said the decline in productivity of the textile industries located in the Punjab region has also led to missing of shipment deadlines, and thereby cancellation of orders. Speaking separately to journalists, Ahsan Bashir, Chairman of the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA), said the Punjab-based textile industry is losing out on about 35 percent of its production capacity due to gas load shedding. He added that the textile sector would be able to produce another US$ 3 million worth of textiles, if the energy supply remains constant. Both the textile associations said the Punjab region, which accounts for about 75 percent of Pakistan's textile production, should be provided with energy supply for at least five days a week.
