PBF seeks urgent policy support to boost industrial competitiveness, exports

July 16, 2026 (MLN): The Pakistan Business Forum (PBF) has called on the government to implement urgent policy measures to improve the competitiveness of Pakistan’s industrial sector, warning that timely support is crucial to meeting the country’s export ambitions.

The call came during the announcement of the PBF Faisalabad chapter’s office-bearers for the next two years, where business leaders highlighted the challenges confronting the textile industry, including elevated energy prices, expensive financing, rising production costs and growing competition from regional markets.

They urged policymakers to introduce industry-supportive measures on an urgent basis to protect the country’s largest export sector.

According to a notification issued by Chief Organizer Ahmad Jawad, Mian Kashif Zia, Director of FIEDMC, has been appointed President of the PBF Faisalabad chapter.

Ahmed Afzal Awan, Senior Vice Chairman of PHMA (North Zone), will serve as Senior Vice President, while Mian Tanvir Ahmed and Muhammad Abdullah Qadri have been named Vice Presidents. Mian Tanveer Riaz has been appointed General Secretary.

Speaking on the occasion, Mian Kashif Zia said Faisalabad remains the backbone of Pakistan’s industrial economy, generating around $5.5 billion in textile exports annually, which accounts for nearly 45% of the country’s total textile exports.

He noted that increasing electricity and gas tariffs, inconsistent energy availability, high interest rates and liquidity issues have weakened the competitiveness of exporters, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises.

He emphasized the need to reduce the cost of doing business through affordable energy, easier access to credit, a predictable tax regime, prompt sales tax refunds and better export facilitation to help restore investor confidence and stimulate industrial activity.

Senior Vice President Ahmed Afzal Awan said Faisalabad’s industrial landscape extends beyond textiles and includes garments, hosiery, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, engineering products, food processing and agricultural machinery, making the city a major contributor to exports and employment.

He stressed the importance of strengthening infrastructure, ensuring dependable energy supplies, expanding industrial zones, improving logistics, promoting technology adoption and developing a skilled workforce.

He also emphasized stronger public-private coordination to address structural issues and create a stable, investment-friendly environment.

The newly appointed office-bearers reiterated their commitment to advocating for the business community, encouraging investment, increasing exports, creating jobs and further strengthening Faisalabad’s status as the country’s leading industrial and textile hub.

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