Government Should Take Serious Steps to Promote the Leather Industry: Farooq Ahmed

The Pakistan Leather Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PLGMEA) strongly condemns and opposes the government’s decision to lift the ban on the commercial export of livestock.

Karachi (Staff Reporter): The government should take serious steps to promote the leather industry, said Farooq Ahmed, Chairman of the Southern Zone of the Pakistan Leather Garments Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PLGMEA), during a meeting. The meeting was also attended by the Secretary-General of PLGMEA, Muhammad Iqbal Awan, and other officials. Farooq Ahmed stated that PLGMEA strongly condemns and opposes the government’s decision to lift the ban on the commercial export of livestock, as such measures pose a serious threat to the leather industry. This could lead to a severe shortage of raw materials, hampering the industry’s ability to fulfill orders.

He emphasized that the leather garments and goods industry is Pakistan’s second-largest industry, playing a crucial role in the economy, which cannot be ignored. Farooq Ahmed mentioned that a significant portion of raw materials for leather garments and products is sourced from local livestock. Exporting live animals would severely impact the supply chain and negatively affect production capacity, putting the industry’s ability to meet domestic and international demand at risk.

The leather garments and goods industry is already facing a shortage of essential raw materials like sheep and goat skins, which could result in financial losses and the potential unemployment of thousands of workers. He stressed that the industry’s development and survival depend heavily on the continuous availability of local raw materials. For this reason, PLGMEA urges the government to immediately revoke its decision to lift the ban on the commercial export of livestock.

Farooq Ahmed also called for consultations with stakeholders to find alternative solutions that could benefit both the livestock and leather industries, allowing the leather garments and goods industry to thrive. He urged the government to implement policies that support the growth and development of the leather sector, ensuring the industry’s continued contribution to Pakistan’s economy. PLGMEA reiterated its commitment to working with the government to find solutions that benefit both Pakistan’s economy and its people.