APTMA to go on strike against govt for neglecting textile sector

KARACHI: The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) has announced to protest against the government for neglecting the textile sector.

During a video link conference on Saturday from Karachi with association officials from different cities of the country, APTMA Sindh-Balochistan Chairperson Zahid Mazhar said they wanted the surcharge of Rs3.63 on electricity and gas infrastructure development cess levied on the textile sector should be abolished.

Moreover, a senior member of APTMA, Yaseen Siddique, said the package of Rs180 billion announced by the prime minister should be transferred to them.

The association members threatened of protest if new taxes levied in the budget are not abolishes.

Closing down mills

In Lahore, APTMA Chairperson Amir Fayyaz said would close all the mills and observe Black Day on Tuesday. While addressing a news conference, Fayyaz said they have taken the decision as the government has neither handed then the announced package of Rs180 billion not have they been provided cheap electricity.

Exports have diminished, while no new [packages] have been announced in the budget, he said. "Instead, new taxes have been levied on the sector."

He said Vietnam, Bangladesh and India have left Pakistan behind. 

With additional input from our correspondent in Lahore.