Sadiq assures APTMA of resolving textile industry's issues

Expressing dismay over reports regarding use of money in Senate elections, Speaker National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq said on Saturday there may be some truth in this rumour but they don't have any proof in this regard. "How those winning election by using money can serve the country irrespective of which province they belong to?" he wondered.
He was talking to the media after visiting the office of All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA). Chairman APTMA Aamir Fayyaz, Group leader APTMA Aamir Fayaz, Group leader APTMA Gohar Ejaz, President APTMA Punjab Ali Pervez Malik and representatives from all major associations, including Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association, Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers Association, Council of Power Looms Association, Pakistan Textile Exporters Association, All Pakistan Textile Processing Mills Association and Pakistan Sweater Exporters Association were present on the occasion.
The Speaker said when the PML (N) government came into power, terrorism and load shedding were the main issues of the country but the government through its commitment and hard work brought them under control. He said in 2018 general elections people will cast their votes by considering performance of their party.
Ayaz Sadiq asked the industry representatives to submit budget proposals as early as possible. He said the government is considering to present budget for 2018-19 in the May. On this occasion, the textile industry associations urged Speaker of National Assembly Sardar Ayaz Sadiq to help resolve the revival issues, particularly the energy price difference between Punjab and rest of the provinces.
While assuring the industry association of playing a role of facilitator and hold meeting with ministers concerned for arriving at a solution acceptable to the industry, the Speaker said all the stakeholders will also be taken into confidence. He hoped that the issue of restoration of viability and growth of industry would be resolved in the larger interest of the country.
Representatives of textile industry talked about the issues being faced by the Punjab-based textile industry and demanded uniform energy price across the country. While apprehending a closure of the Punjab-based textile industry due to the energy price disparity, Chairman APTMA Aamir Fayyaz said the government should either secure a uniform energy price from the federal government or bear the price difference.
He said an early resolution of the industry issues would enable prospective investors to undertake investment initiatives to produce exportable surplus to double the exports. The textile industry leadership said the prevailing disparity in the energy price in Punjab was more than double to the energy price for mills in other provinces.
All the manufacturing units of spinning, weaving, dyeing, readymade garments, hosiery, towel and other sectors are becoming redundant fast with every passing day. Workers of these mills are being laid off day in and day out. Also, both the backward and forward linkages and allied sectors of the textile industry are facing the brunt of situation across Punjab.
Speaking on the occasion, group leader APTMA Gohar Ejaz pointed out that the textile industry in Punjab is paying Rs 1300 per MMBTU for RLNG against Rs 600 per MMBTU in other provinces. Similarly, the imposition of Rs 3.60 per kWh electricity surcharge in the electricity bills is being charged unfairly which cannot be passed on to the buyers in the international marketplace. He said the business equation in Punjab is being heavily distorted, leading to the closure of mills in every sector of the industry.