Demand for duty-free yarn import.

KARACHI -- Value-added textile sector has asked the government to allow duty-free import of cotton yarn from all over the world, including India.

In a joint press conference on Tuesday, Council of All Pakistan Textile AssoAciaAtions Chairman Muhammad Zubair Motiwala, Pakistan Apparel Forum Chairman Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, Pakistan Hosiery ManufacAtuAArers and Exporters AssoAciation Central Chairman Riaz Ahmed, Pakistan BedAwear Exporters Association Chairman Rehmat Naveed Elahi and SITE Association of Industry President Abdul Hadi held the government responsible for a 4.5 per cent year-on-year decline in textile exports in February.

On 23 Dec 2020, the government had removed regulatory duty, but cotton yarn imports are still subject to custom duty and other taxes.

They warned the export orders in hand will eventually be diverted to rival countries if the...