PRGMEA urges unified action for sustainability in textile sector

LAHORE: The Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) has called for a collaborative approach to policymaking, bringing together government ministries, academic institutions and industrial stakeholders to address pressing sustainability challenges in the textile sector.

In a letter to Federal Commerce Minister Jam Kamal Khan, PRGMEA North Zone Chairperson Dr Ayyaz Uddin said that Pakistan’s textile industry, which generates $16.5 billion in annual exports and serves as a key employment driver, is under mounting global pressure to adhere to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.

Dr Ayyaz highlighted that compliance with international frameworks such as the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) and International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions presents both a challenge and an opportunity for the nation’s export sector.

He noted that PRGMEA has proactively addressed the critical issues of social and environmental sustainability in Pakistan’s textile industry. In his letter, Dr Ayyaz proposed engaging experts from academia, industry associations and the government to develop actionable strategies for compliance and sustainability. He further recommended the establishment of two specialised task forces under the National Compliance Centre (NCC): one focused on challenges in the textile export sector and the other addressing governance concerns in non-textile export industries.

“PRGMEA is committed to steering the textile industry towards sustainability,” Dr Ayyaz said. “We are supporting manufacturers and exporters in calculating carbon footprints, adopting eco-friendly practices and meeting global sustainability benchmarks.” He also stressed the need for intergenerational justice in addressing environmental issues, ensuring that sustainable practices implemented today preserve resources and opportunities for future generations.

Through these initiatives, PRGMEA envisions transformative improvements in labour practices, environmental compliance and export competitiveness. Dr Ayyaz expressed confidence that these measures would strengthen Pakistan’s global standing and pave the way for a more sustainable future in the textile sector. Copies of the letter were also sent to the Senate and the National Assembly Standing Committees on Climate Change and Human Rights.