In the heart of Faisalabad lies the tale of Sitara Textile Mills, once a symbol of industrial pride, now shrouded in silence. The rhythmic hum of looms has given way to stillness as two major units cease operations, casualties of an economic and energy crisis strangling Pakistan’s manufacturing lifeline. According to Shahroz Ahmed from Sitara’s human resource department, the closure left nearly 600 workers in limbo, a grim reminder of the challenges facing the textile and fashion industry.
This unraveling is not unique to Sitara Textile Mills but reflects a broader crisis gripping Pakistan’s economy. The textile sector, historically a powerhouse, now grapples with inflation, erratic policies, global disruptions, and plummeting cotton production. The Economic Survey of Pakistan underscores the sector’s significance, contributing substantially to industrial exports and national employment. Each factory closure reverberates as a social tragedy, highlighting the interconnectedness of livelihoods in a sector under siege.
While the industry’s foundation crumbles, Pakistan’s fashion consumption thrives. Brands like Gul Ahmed, Khaadi, and Sapphire post robust sales figures, expanding their footprint both nationally and internationally. The allure of branded clothing persists amidst economic turbulence, with luxury brands cultivating loyal followings, especially among expatriate Pakistanis. Jaweria Sajid, a consumer, emphasizes the reliability and quality assurance offered by brands, underscoring the enduring appeal of branded wear in a tumultuous market.
Despite the buoyancy in fashion retail, a stark reality looms over the textile sector: the decline in cotton production. Pakistan, once a cotton-producing giant, now grapples with a significant output contraction, forcing manufacturers to import cotton at inflated prices. Yasir Ali, a Lahore-based garment dealer, laments the quality drop and production challenges stemming from the cotton crisis. The ripple effects are felt across the value chain, with over 100 textile units shuttered, exacerbating job losses and supply chain fragility.
As the industry teeters on the brink, calls for policy reform grow louder. Dr. Sajjad Rashid advocates for structural changes to address mounting production costs and dwindling competitiveness. The urgency for modernization and export revival strategies reverberates across the industry, with stakeholders urging government intervention to salvage a sector on the verge of collapse.
Amidst this turmoil, a parallel economy of fashion replicas emerges, offering consumers affordable alternatives to designer brands. The allure of knock-offs underscores a shift in consumer behavior, driven by concerns over quality and trust in established brands. The rise of replicas signals a broader trend of consumer disillusionment, prompting a reevaluation of brand loyalty and market dynamics in an industry in flux.
Experts warn that the textile sector’s decline poses not just an economic threat but a social crisis, jeopardizing livelihoods and exacerbating unemployment. Dr. Mirajul Haq stresses the imperative for industry modernization to ensure global competitiveness and sustainability. Pakistan’s fashion dream, a tapestry woven with struggle and resilience, faces an uncertain future, underscoring the urgent need for intervention to preserve an industry integral to the nation’s economic fabric.
