This historic appointment highlights
Pakistan’s rising influence
in the global textile sector
Business Reporter
Karachi: Heimtextil Appoints Zaki Bashir as First Pakistani Member on Advisory Board, Boosting Pakistan’s Textile Industry
Heimtextil, the world’s leading trade fair for home and contract textiles, has appointed Mr. Zaki Bashir, CEO of Gul Ahmed Textile Mills Ltd., to its prestigious Advisory Board. This historic appointment marks the first time a Pakistani industry leader has joined the Heimtextil Advisory Board, highlighting Pakistan’s rising influence in the global textile sector.
Mr. Bashir was warmly welcomed by Heimtextil’s senior leadership, including Mr. Olaf Schmidt, Vice President – Textiles & Textile Technologies at Messe Frankfurt, Ms. Margit Herberth, Director of Heimtextil, and Mr. Omer Salahuddin, CEO of Messe Frankfurt SP Pakistan. The team praised Mr. Bashir’s extensive industry experience and the milestone significance for Pakistan’s textile community.
The Heimtextil Advisory Board features top global textile leaders from key associations such as the German Home Textiles Industry (HEIMTEX), UK Fashion and Textile Association (UKFT), and the German Textile Retailers Association. Mr. Bashir’s leadership at Gul Ahmed, known for innovation, quality, and sustainability, is expected to strengthen Heimtextil’s strategic vision and global influence.
Pakistan continues to make a strong mark at Heimtextil, ranking 4th globally with 275 exhibitors in the 2025 edition. The next Heimtextil fair is scheduled in Frankfurt from January 13–16, 2026, promising to further showcase Pakistan’s growing role in the international textile market.
