Weekly Industrial Watch: Aug 24 – Aug 30, 2026
This edition of ADS's Weekly Industrial Watch tracks short-term movements in energy, taxation, and industrial policy for Aug 24–30, 2026. Pakistan's textile sector remained under pressure as exporters sought Prime Minister and SIFC intervention over high power tariffs threatening export competitiveness, while also raising concerns over an unsustainable tax burden and calling for shared responsibility with international buyers on sustainability-financing costs. Cotton prices saw sharp fluctuations, adding uncertainty across the value chain. Power-sector reforms remained a persistent concern, with the NGC chairman flagging repeated structural failures, and unpredictable fuel pricing was cited as a threat to industrial planning. APTMA saw a leadership shift as the Dr Gohar Group regained control of the association. In fertilizer, supply was disrupted by blockades in Sindh, and Jamaat-e-Islami announced plans to challenge the sales ban in court. Sports, steel, and cement remained relatively quiet during the week.
Key Points
- 1Textile exporters sought intervention from the Prime Minister and SIFC over high power tariffs, warning that prevailing electricity costs are undermining Pakistan’s export competitiveness.
- 2Pakistan’s textile industry raised concerns over an increasingly unsustainable tax burden, adding to the cost pressures already being faced by export-oriented manufacturers.
- 3Power-sector reforms remained a major industrial concern, with the NGC chairman highlighting repeated failures to address structural problems in the electricity sector.
- 4APTMA saw a change in leadership dynamics, with the Dr Gohar Group once again securing control of the association.
- 5Cotton prices witnessed sharp fluctuations during the week, creating further uncertainty for textile manufacturers and the broader cotton value chain.