SIALKOT, Aug 7: The Surgical Instruments Manufactures Association (SIMA) of Pakistan has criticised the government for neglecting the industry in the federal budget and trade policy.

SIMA through a condemnation resolution said the government did not announce any incentive for surgical sector and rejected all proposals submitted for the betterment of the industry.

Talking to the press here on Monday, SIMA senior vice-chairman Aamir Riaz Bhinder said exports of surgical instruments from Sialkot were showing a downward trend owing to certain factors.

He said high production cost, increase in utility charges, high export financing, drastic decrease in duty drawback, rising competition and lack of research and development support were some of the reasons for decrease in exports.

He said currently exports of surgical instruments from Sialkot stood at $183 million against $30 billion worth of world market.

Mr Bhinder said exports could be enhanced manifold during the next three to four years if the required government support was provided to surgical sector. The industry was providing livelihood to more than 150,000 people, he added.