LAHORE: The Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PRGMEA) has elected Sohail Afzal Sheikh as its Central Chairman for the term year 2026-28, with Aamir Lakhani and Ansar Aziz Puri named Senior Vice Chairman and Vice Chairman, respectively.
Members and representatives of the apparel and business community congratulated the new office-bearers and wished them a successful tenure.
Speaking on the occasion, Sheikh said Pakistan’s apparel industry was entering a period of major transformation. Sustainability, digitalisation, traceability, shifting trade policies and changing buyer requirements, he said, were increasingly critical to staying competitive in global markets.
He said the industry must prepare for emerging requirements such as the European Union’s Digital Product Passport (DPP), along with wider sustainability and supply-chain compliance standards. He stressed the need for investment in energy efficiency, renewable energy, resource efficiency, decarbonisation and digital systems to retain and expand access to international markets.
Sheikh also underlined the importance of safeguarding GSP+ market access, addressing the impact of US tariffs and diversifying export destinations. He called for a better business environment, including competitive energy costs, timely payment of refunds and rebates, streamlined regulations, improved access to finance and efficient trade facilitation.
He said the association would continue to strengthen its international engagement, including through its delegation to COP31 in Antalya, Türkiye, where it would present the apparel industry’s priorities on climate action, textile decarbonisation and sustainable global supply chains.
Lakhani and Puri pledged to work closely with PRGMEA members, government institutions and other stakeholders to tackle industry challenges, boost exports and open new opportunities for the sector.
The new leadership will focus on export growth, policy advocacy, market access, sustainability, digital transformation, competitiveness and closer industry-government collaboration, while continuing efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s position in the global apparel value chain.
The association said it would build on its ongoing initiatives and work with members and stakeholders to address emerging challenges during the year 2026-28 term.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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