KARACHI: The apparel and home textiles are seeking a total ban on export of coarse yarn being consumed widely by the domestic industry, and said that only fine yarn above 32 single counts be allowed for export.

The demand was made by the leaders of the trade bodies under the umbrella of Pakistan Apparel Forum (PAF) who are currently faced with an acute shortage of yarn in the domestic market.

PAF chairman Jawed Bilwani pleaded that since the entire value-added textile sector consumes coarse yarn below 32 single counts, so its availability be ensured.

He apprehended that in case the government fails to impose ban on export of coarse yarn and if it does not ensure its availability for the domestic industry, it would result in large scale closure of apparel and home textile units.

There is already a shortage of coarse yarn in the domestic market and many value-added units are unable to meet their export contracts, and if no prompt remedial measures are taken, large scale retrenchment of workers will start.

Towel Manufacturers Association chairman Waqar Alam said if spinners want to serve the country, they should export only fine counts yarn and earn higher foreign exchange.

Pakistan Bedwear Exporters Association chairman Shabir Ahmed said only proper government policies could help the country earn more foreign exchange to meet its requirements.

He said with all the natural resources available in abundance, including raw cotton in the country, it becomes more painful to understand that as to why our own industry has to suffer and face difficulty in getting raw material such as yarn.

Many countries in the world, he said are not bestowed with such bounties of the nature. However, wrong government policies and lack of proper planning which are not based on ground realities are depriving the nation of real progress.

He said there would be no need, if the country excels in value addition and stops exporting semi-finished raw material to other countries.

Most of our competitors, he said are thriving on raw material, such as yarn and fabric supplied (exported) by us and after making value-addition they do not only give us tough time in world market, but also capture our share of the market.

He urged the government to draw a long-term planning wherein some difficult decisions have to be taken, but this is the only way to ensure country’s progress and prosperity by generating more job opportunities in apparel and home textile sectors.