KARACHI:

Pakistan's largest export sector is in deep crisis, as the Pakistan Textile Council (PTC) and other leaders sounded an alarm over a sharp decline in exports, factory closures, and mounting costs that threaten the country's economic stability. Exports fell nearly 12% year-on-year in September, dragging first-quarter FY26 proceeds down by 3.83% to $7.61 billion, while a widening trade deficit and surging imports add further pressure on external accounts.

Industry stakeholders, including PTC Chairman Fawad Anwar, KCCI's former president Javed Bilwani, and industrialist Zubair Motiwala, warned that without urgent reforms on energy pricing, taxation, and facilitation schemes, Pakistan risks losing its competitive edge to regional rivals like Bangladesh, India, and Vietnam. The abrupt

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