KARACHI, October 7, 2026: The Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) organised World Cotton Day at Federation House in Clifton, Karachi, to highlight cotton’s global importance and challenges facing Pakistan’s cotton economy.
The event focused on the decline in domestic cotton production and the growing demand for raw material from Pakistan’s textile industry.
Representatives of the cotton trade urged the government to take urgent measures to increase production and improve cotton quality.
They also called for stronger support for farmers and policies that could reduce Pakistan’s reliance on imported cotton.
Cotton Trade Calls for Government Action
KCA Chairman Muhammad Atif Shakoor urged the government to take immediate steps to revive cotton production.
He called for measures to increase output and improve the quality of locally produced cotton.
Shakoor also urged the government to reduce cotton imports and save foreign exchange.
KCA Senior Vice-Chairman Rizwan Iqbal Umer said stakeholders should work together to increase production and improve cotton quality.
He stressed the need to protect the interests of cotton growers.
Umer also called for efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s cotton trade and textile industry.
KCA Vice-Chairman Prem Chand proposed joint action by the KCA, All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) and Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA).
He said the three organisations should approach the government to seek measures for higher cotton production and better quality.
He also called for allowing the import of cotton seed to help achieve production targets.
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Experts Highlight Cotton Seed Shortage
Former KCA Chairman and Ex-Officio Executive Committee Member Khawaja M. Zubair stressed the importance of certified and healthy cotton seeds.
He said the government should ensure that farmers have access to quality seeds.
Zubair also proposed organising a dedicated seminar on Pakistan’s cotton sector.
The seminar could examine the problems facing the cotton trade and the sharp decline in domestic production.
He said stakeholders should develop practical solutions and present them to the government.
Former KCA Executive Committee member Muhammad Arif Piracha described cotton as an environmentally friendly crop.
He suggested developing a slogan for cotton to strengthen its marketing and promote wider awareness.
Piracha also highlighted the KCA’s long history. He said the association was established in 1933 to regulate cotton marketing in the subcontinent.
Cotton Production Linked to Trade Deficit
KCA Brokers Advisory Committee member and licensed cotton broker Chandarlal called for stronger government attention to the cotton sector.
He proposed that the KCA write to the prime minister and federal ministers for commerce and finance.
The letters should highlight cotton’s contribution to Pakistan’s economy and GDP, he said.
Chandarlal also argued that higher domestic cotton production could help reduce the country’s trade deficit.
A large number of representatives from Pakistan’s cotton trade attended the World Cotton Day event.
The participants called for coordinated action to increase production, improve quality and strengthen the cotton value chain.
They also stressed the need for policies that support growers, the textile industry and the wider cotton trade.
