Pakistan’s lucrative hand-knotted carpet export sector is facing a severe crisis, with industry leaders warning that significant supply chain disruptions are jeopardising international orders and threatening the nation”s hard-won global market share.
The alarm was raised during a meeting in Lahore between a delegation from the Pakistan Carpet Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PCMEA) and Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, where immediate remedial measures were explored, according to a report by PCMEA today.
Led by Patron-in-Chief Abdul Latif Malik and former Senior Vice Chairman Usman Ashraf, the delegation informed the minister about serious interruptions in the availability of partially woven carpets. They stated these disruptions have made it increasingly difficult for exporters to meet contractual obligations, posing a direct threat to valuable foreign exchange earnings.
The PCMEA representatives urged for immediate government intervention to eliminate operational bottlenecks and streamline the supply chain. They stressed that such actions are critical to ensure smooth production and the timely fulfilment of export commitments.
Highlighting the sector”s significance, Mr Malik and Mr Ashraf described the hand-knotted carpet industry as one of Pakistan”s oldest export-oriented trades and a consistent source of foreign currency for decades. They pointed out, however, that exports have declined in recent years due to multiple challenges, adversely affecting thousands of skilled artisans.
In his remarks, Jam Kamal Khan reiterated that promoting value-added exports is a top priority for the Ministry of Commerce. He emphasised the industry’s crucial role in generating employment, particularly for women in rural areas, and in preserving Pakistan”s rich tradition of craftsmanship.
The minister assured the delegation that the government would take all necessary steps to resolve the supply chain issues and provide maximum facilitation to exporters. He underscored a broader commitment to building a diversified, competitive, and sustainable export-driven economy by utilising all available resources.