KARACHI, November 7, 2026: Pakistan’s textile and apparel industry must accelerate the adoption of green supply chains, digital technologies and internationally recognised environmental standards to maintain its competitiveness in global export markets, industry and academic experts have emphasised.
The views were expressed during a gathering at the Asma M. Hashmi STEM Centre, NED University of Engineering & Technology, Karachi, marking the launch of the second Global Procurement & Supply Chain Summit (GPS 2027), scheduled to be held in Karachi on January 20, 2027.
Hafiz Kashif, Director of Artistic Milliners, highlighted the growing importance of sustainable sourcing, carbon emission reduction and environmentally responsible production in securing access to international markets.
He said global buyers, particularly those operating in European and other environmentally conscious markets, were increasingly scrutinising the environmental performance of their suppliers. Carbon footprints, energy efficiency, responsible sourcing of raw materials, water conservation and supply chain transparency had become important considerations in international procurement decisions.
He observed that evolving international sustainability regulations and buyer compliance requirements were placing additional pressure on Pakistani textile exporters to demonstrate measurable improvements in environmental performance.
The adoption of cleaner production technologies, renewable energy and internationally recognised sustainability standards was therefore essential to maintaining the industry’s long-term export competitiveness, he added.
The discussion also highlighted the difficulties faced by local manufacturers and suppliers, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises, in meeting increasingly stringent international compliance requirements amid rising production costs.
Dr Majida Kazmi, Professor at NED University, Vice Chairperson of the Institution of Engineers Pakistan-Karachi Centre (IEP-KC) and Director of the Asma M. Hashmi STEM Centre, underscored the importance of digital transformation, artificial intelligence and technology-oriented education in preparing industries and the future workforce for emerging challenges.
She highlighted the need to integrate modern technologies and STEM education into industrial development to strengthen productivity, innovation and Pakistan’s ability to compete in an increasingly technology-driven global economy.
