Pakistani elected IAF vice president

Election seen as boost to value-added exports

LAHORE:

Former Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) chairman Ijaz A Khokhar has been elected vice president of the International Apparel Federation (IAF), becoming the first Pakistani to hold the position.

The announcement was made during the IAF General Assembly, where members unanimously approved his nomination, according to PRGMEA.

The development comes as Pakistan strives to increase exports of value-added textile products to reduce reliance on low-margin yarn and fabric shipments. Industry stakeholders believe representation at the IAF could provide Pakistan with greater access to global policy discussions on supply chains, sustainability, compliance standards and emerging market trends.

Established in 1972, the IAF is the world's leading organisation representing apparel manufacturers, national associations and related industries. It has members in more than 40 countries, representing over 100,000 companies employing around 20 million people worldwide.

Pakistan's textile and apparel sector remains the country's largest export industry, contributing nearly 60% of total merchandise exports and employing millions of workers. However, exporters continue to face challenges including high energy costs, rising financing expenses, regional competition and increasingly stringent environmental and social compliance requirements imposed by international buyers.

According to the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, textile and clothing exports reached approximately $17.9 billion during FY2025-26, with value-added segments such as garments, knitwear and bedwear accounting for the largest share of export earnings. The government has also identified value-added manufacturing as a key driver for achieving long-term export targets.

Industry representatives said Pakistan's presence in the IAF leadership could help strengthen engagement with international brands and apparel associations while providing greater visibility to the country's manufacturing capabilities. Khokhar has previously served on the IAF Executive Board and as the federation's regional president. He currently serves as chief coordinator of PRGMEA.

The IAF works with apparel manufacturers and industry bodies on issues including sustainable supply chains, trade facilitation, technological innovation, responsible sourcing and harmonisation of industry standards. The organisation also provides a platform for dialogue between manufacturers, brands and policymakers on challenges affecting the global apparel industry.

Exporters have increasingly stressed the need for Pakistan to move further up the textile value chain by expanding garment production, improving productivity and adopting internationally recognised sustainability standards to remain competitive against regional exporters such as Bangladesh, Vietnam and India.