Pakistan textile sector has lost around US$ 1billion worth of export orders during the last few months due to the shortage in supply of power and energy to the textile industries in Pakistan’s Punjab region.

Mr. Ahsan Bashir, Chairman of All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA), said in the first half of the current fiscal year that began on July 1, 2013, the country’s textile and garment exports would have increased by US$ 1 billion had the industry been provided with uninterrupted energy supply.

He added that despite the shortage of power and energy, Pakistan textile industry achieved a growth of 8.55 percent and clicked US$ 500 million in the first half of the current fiscal year.

Talking about the response of the Pakistan Government, he informed that the President has promised an uninterrupted electricity and gas supply for 5-days in a week from next month.

He opined that with continuous supply of power and electricity, the textile industry can reach the target of $ 14-15 billion this year.

According to the chief coordinator of Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PRGMEA), the country’s apparel industry in Pakistan is facing shortage of raw materials like yarn and fabric due to the shortage in supply of power and electricity.

He said the closure of 40 percent of spinning mills in Pakistan’s Punjab region due to shortage of power and gas supply has resulted in lower production of yarn and dyed fabrics, which forces exporters to delay their shipments.