Islamabad: The PHMA has said that Pakistan’s organized apparel export sector fully implements all GSP+ requirements and adheres to the International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions. PHMA Zonal Chairman Abdul Hameed emphasized that the country’s value-added hosiery and knitwear industry consistently meets international labor, social, and workplace standards, maintaining compliance levels higher than many regional peers and on par with developed countries. Abdul Hameed stated that the organized apparel industry has long maintained global certifications and social compliance measures, ensuring freedom of association, collective bargaining rights, safe working conditions, and fair wages. He said that the sector’s adherence to standards like WRAP, BSCI, and other international frameworks demonstrates Pakistan’s commitment to responsible exports. “Our factories are not only compliant with all international conventions, but in many areas exceed required standards, ensuring that Pakistani products remain credible and competitive in global markets,” he said. News Desk
PHMA leader highlighted that any shortcomings, if present, occur primarily in the unorganized sector, which is outside the direct control of the export industry. “It is the responsibility of the government to monitor, enforce, and implement reforms in the informal sector,” Abdul Hameed said. “Our organized exporters should not be held accountable for gaps in areas where public institutions must act.”
The association also emphasized the sector’s proactive role in promoting economic growth and exports. Through close engagement with the government, PHMA has requested policy reforms, incentives, and structural support to maintain competitiveness and sustain Pakistan’s export advantages. Abdul Hameed noted, “Our sector drives foreign-exchange earnings, employs hundreds of thousands, and continues to expand value-added exports. Maintaining compliance without overburdening exporters is crucial for economic stability.”
In response to recent statements by European Union Ambassador to Pakistan, PHMA strongly rejected the criticism as unjustified and misdirected. Abdul Hameed condemned the EU remarks, stating, “The organized apparel sector already complies with all relevant conventions and maintains global standards. Suggesting otherwise ignores the reality of our structured, value-added export industry. Pakistan’s exporters are performing at levels equal to or above Bangladesh, China, and many developed countries.”
PHMA chairman also called upon monitoring missions to adopt a balanced and evidence-based approach. The association urged international observers to directly engage with exporters, worker representatives, and industry bodies to understand compliance systems in practice, rather than relying on unverified claims or generalized reports.
“The EU must recognize the realities of Pakistan’s apparel industry,” Hameed said. “We are not merely exporting garments — we are delivering quality, compliant products backed by strong labor and social frameworks. The focus should be on collaboration to improve areas needing government intervention, not on mischaracterizing the sector’s achievements.”
PHMA chief reaffirmed its willingness to cooperate with both the government and international institutions to address genuine issues, particularly within informal segments of the textile sector. However, it stressed that organized exporters should not be penalized for gaps that fall under the government’s responsibility.
The PHMA zonal chief urged the government to proactively present a transparent and unified case to international partners, demonstrating how Pakistan’s value-added hosiery and knitwear sector already fulfills GSP+ requirements and ILO conventions. Doing so, the association argued, is essential to safeguard trade advantages, protect employment in the export-oriented apparel sector, and uphold Pakistan’s reputation as a responsible and globally competitive exporter.
