Muhammad Saleem

The Environment Protection Agency (EPA) and garment exporters in Faisalabad have agreed to work together to find solutions that protect the environment and the economy.

Hazar Khan, the Senior Vice Chairman of the Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PHMA) in Faisalabad, told WealthPK that climate change is affecting every segment of society, and compliance with international environmental standards has now become imperative.

He said the global focus on environmental protection and sustainable supply chains is gaining momentum, and exporters are fully aware of this trend. However, he pointed out that in the past, some EPA officials, instead of engaging with factory owners to help them improve standards in line with international requirements, moved directly to sealing such units.

“Closing factories benefits neither the local economy nor the national economy,” he stressed. “If a factory is sealed, export orders are thrown into disarray, risking cancellations and draining the country’s foreign exchange reserves.”

He assured that all PHMA members would fully comply with environmental protection laws and regulations, but requested that the association be informed if the EPA receives a complaint against any PHMA member before any direct action is taken. “This approach would allow issues to be resolved without rocking the boat,” he added.

Waheed Khaliq, Chairman of the Council of Loom Owners Association, told WealthPK that sealing factories on environmental charges is like “putting a band-aid on a bullet wound,” and does not address the root causes of pollution. He said that at present, the same factories are running smoothly without pollution issues.

He noted that during smog season, environmental officials often seal factories to demonstrate their performance and avoid criticism from their superiors. “If the textile sector is the only source of pollution, then why is everything running smoothly these days?” he asked.

Khaliq said the authorities should widen their focus to include other polluting sectors such as transport, brick kilns, and crop residue burning. He warned that if the same practice of sealing units continues this year, factory owners will struggle to recover, especially amid high production costs and financial pressures. Instead of penalising factories, he suggested that the EPA should work with industry associations to achieve environmental goals.

Muhammad Tahir, Secretary of PHMA, said the EPA’s Deputy Director in Faisalabad, Usman Azhar, recently met with association members to discuss environmental issues. Tahir said the official made it clear that the agency has no intention of harassing anyone or pursuing a negative agenda.

“The deputy director emphasised that everyone should work together to protect the environment and assured that he is open to guidance to help resolve issues through mutual understanding,” Tahir added.

Credit: INP-WealthPk