KARACHI: Pakistan Yarn Merchants Association (PYMA) Chairman Saqib Goodluck has termed the budget an “elitist budget”, accusing the government of completely ignoring the small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and failing to fulfill longstanding commitments made to the textile trade community.
Goodluck said the PYMA had repeatedly demanded the removal of “discriminatory policies” that privileged the manufacturers and the industrial sector.
“Unless this divide is eliminated, equal business opportunities cannot be ensured, and the gulf between trade and industry will only widen,” he warned.
He noted that the PYMA had submitted detailed proposals to the government and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) ahead of the budget, urging measures to create a level-playing field for all the stakeholders. “Regrettably, none of those proposals were considered, leaving traders disappointed once again,” he added.
Goodluck criticized the government for neglecting the SME sector’s pressing challenges and failing to address structural imbalances in the textile value chain.
He pointed out that while fabric remained relatively cheaper, raw material and intermediate yarn had been expensive, raising business costs and putting the local traders under severe pressure.
“The budget neither reviewed the duty structure nor attempted to resolve fundamental issues undermining the competitiveness of the textile trade,” he said.
The PYMA chairman demanded of the government to honor its pre-budget commitments, extend genuine relief to the SMEs, and abolish “discriminatory” policies between manufacturers and traders.
“Only by ensuring equal opportunities across all business sectors can Pakistan’s economy and trade truly flourish,” he concluded.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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