APTMA pays tribute to Field Marshal Asim Munir for addressing business community concerns

The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) Tuesday extended a formal tribute to Field Marshal and Chief of Army Staff General Asim Munir for his proactive engagement with the country’s business leaders and his support in resolving critical industry concerns, reported 24NewsHD TV channel.

In a statement, APTMA Chairman Kamran Arshad expressed gratitude on behalf of the textile sector for the Army Chief’s meeting with a delegation of business figures led by former caretaker minister and industrialist Gohar Ijaz. He praised General Asim Munir for “listening attentively” to the concerns of the business community and taking meaningful steps to address them.

Arshad highlighted that the business delegation raised issues related to the Federal Board of Revenue’s (FBR) excessive powers, which have long been a point of friction for traders and industrialists. He thanked the Army Chief for reportedly issuing directives to suspend the controversial law that allowed for the arrest of businesspersons — a move hailed as a significant relief for the commercial sector.

The APTMA delegation also called for the imposition of an 18 percent sales tax on imported cotton, gray fabric, and yarn, in a bid to create a level playing field for the domestic industry. In a show of cooperation, APTMA has agreed to accept higher electricity tariffs to help stabilise the sector and support the national economy.

Kamran Arshad reiterated the textile sector’s commitment to contributing to Pakistan’s economic revival and lauded General Munir’s leadership as a “beacon of hope” for the struggling industrial base.