In a significant show of national solidarity, the Pakistan textile industry has stepped forward to offer the government a $2 billion financial cushion. This move comes immediately after Pakistan’s strategic decision to return a $2 billion safe deposit (plus interest) to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) by the end of this month.
APTMA Steps in to Bolster Foreign Reserves
The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) confirmed that its members are prepared to deposit a $2 billion fund with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP). Speaking from Lahore, APTMA Chairman Kamran Arshad emphasized that the Pakistan textile industry stands “shoulder to shoulder” with the government during this transition.
“We will not allow any financial difficulty to emerge following the return of the UAE funds,” Arshad stated. The association plans to hold a formal meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif following the conclusion of the high-stakes Islamabad peace talks to finalize the mechanism for this deposit.
Economic Outlook and IMF Compliance
This offer from the Pakistan textile industry comes at a time when Pakistan’s economic indicators are showing resilience. Chairman Arshad noted that:
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IMF Conditions: Pakistan has successfully fulfilled all structural benchmarks set by the International Monetary Fund.
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Export Growth: Textile exports are rising rapidly, providing a sustainable source of foreign exchange.
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Economic Sovereignty: Returning the UAE deposit is seen as a move toward reducing reliance on short-term foreign deposits and strengthening the country’s independent strategic outlook.
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The “Pakistan First” Principle
The decision to return the UAE’s money is part of a broader shift in Pakistan’s foreign policy and economic management in 2026. By replacing foreign bilateral deposits with domestic industry support, the government aims to stabilize the Rupee without the strings often attached to international “safe deposits.”
Arshad reiterated that APTMA has always prioritized the “Pakistan First” principle, ensuring that the nation’s premier export sector remains the backbone of the economy during geopolitical shifts.
