Cotton Ginners demand nationwide campaign to save cotton economy

MULTAN, Sep 27 (APP): Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association (PCGA) has demanded the government should launch a nationwide “Grow Cotton, Save the Economy” campaign, while considering its recommendations be made part of national policy.

At its general body meeting, the PCGA called for immediate closure of all sugar mills operating in cotton zones, withdrawal of all taxes on cotton and its by-products, complete abolition of sales tax on cottonseed cake and cottonseed, removal of fixed tax on electricity bills, and industry status for the ginning sector so it can access electricity and gas at industrial rates. It also demanded full implementation of the Cotton Control Act.

The meeting was attended by former senior provincial minister and United Business Group (UBG) leader S.M. Tanveer, Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President Atif Ikram Sheikh, former FPCCI president Mian Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh, Zaki Ejaz, Ginners Group Chairman Haji Muhammad Akram, former chairmen Masood A. Majeed, Mian Mahmood Ahmed,

Chaudhry Waheed Arshad, Haji Hafeez Anwar, Amanullah Qureshi, Dr. Jasomal, Mahesh Kumar, Rao Sadruddin, prominent industrialist Haji Abdul Sattar Memon, Progressive Group Chairman Malik Sohail Talat, former Multan Chamber of Commerce and Industry presidents Mian Rashid Iqbal and Sheikh Fazl-e-Ilahi, Khanewal Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Asif Majeed, Mahmood Group of Industries Director Khawaja Muhammad Ilyas, Sheikh Faisal Saeed, Dilip Kumar, and a large number of ginners, industrialists and traders from all four provinces.

Sohail Mahmood Harl was elected unopposed as the new PCGA chairman, with Kewal Mal Devnani as senior vice chairman and Mazhar Shoaib Khan Natkani as vice chairman. S.M. Tanveer administered the oath to the newly elected office-bearers.

Chairman Sohail Mahmood Harl pledged to leave no stone unturned for the revival of cotton and vowed to continue the struggle for the removal of taxes and duties on the cotton trade.

S.M. Tanveer said Pakistan’s GDP had fallen to $450 billion, and that agricultural output had declined to its lowest level. He said the country’s population was rising fast, with 6 to 7 million births annually, while exports remained stuck below $30 billion, forcing the younger generation to leave the country.

FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh said Pakistan had fallen behind in global competitiveness due to declining cotton production, noting that electricity costs 12 cents per unit in Pakistan against six cents in neighbouring countries.

Former chairman Sham Lal Manglani said that despite adverse conditions, he had fought to abolish professional tax, property tax and excise duty on the ginning sector during his tenure.

Former chairman Mian Mahmood Ahmed said oil mills should also be given PCGA membership.

Dr Jasomal said cotton was the identity of the nation, adding that neighbouring countries impose no taxes on agriculture, while excessive taxation, institutional blackmail and bribery in Pakistan were destroying the business.

FPCCI Cotton Committee Convener Malik Sohail Talat said cotton and grey cloth prices had improved compared to last year due to the federation’s efforts, with further improvement expected.

Through unanimous resolutions, the PCGA, FPCCI and various industry bodies announced a joint struggle for the survival and revival of the cotton sector, terming cotton the backbone of the agricultural economy and vital to reclaiming Pakistan’s lost position in international markets.