Textile sector faces layoffs, shutdowns as export growth slows: PTC chairman

Pakistan’s textile and apparel sector is approaching a critical point, with widespread layoffs and factory closures looming due to rising costs and weakening export momentum, the Pakistan Textile Council (PTC) Chairman Fawad Anwar has warned. According to a press release, textile and apparel exports reached $7.84 billion during July-November FY26, up 2.8% from the same period last year. However, Anwar said headline growth masks underlying stress across key segments of the industry. Exports in November 2025 declined to $1.43 billion, down 2.7% year-on-year and 11.7% compared to October, reflecting rising costs that exporters are unable to pass on to buyers.