Pakistan secures top global apparel role as Ijaz Khokhar becomes IAF VP

LAHORE, Jul 21 (APP): Pakistan’s value-added apparel industry has achieved a historic milestone as former Chairman of Pakistan Readymade Garments Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PRGMEA) and Sialkot’s leading exporter Ijaz A. Khokhar has been elected Vice President of International Apparel Federation (IAF).

He is the first Pakistani apparel manufacturer and exporter to hold this prestigious global office in the federation’s history, making the achievement a proud moment not only for Sialkot but for the entire country, PRGMEA spokesman told media here Tuesday.

IAF President Stefano Festa Marzotto announced Khokhar’s nomination in recognition of his long association with the federation and his outstanding services to the global apparel industry. The nomination was unanimously endorsed and approved by the General Assembly. Marzotto praised Khokhar’s valuable contributions to the promotion and development of the apparel sector.

The appointment has been widely welcomed by PRGMEA, textile and apparel associations, chambers of commerce and the wider business community. They described it as a proud moment for Pakistan and expressed confidence that Khokhar’s extensive international experience and deep understanding of global supply chains will strengthen Pakistan’s voice in the international apparel community, open new opportunities for trade, investment, market access and global collaboration, and further enhance the country’s image as a competitive and reliable sourcing destination. They also extended their heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for a successful tenure.

Founded in 1972, the International Apparel Federation (IAF) is the world’s leading and only global federation representing apparel manufacturers, national associations and allied industries. Its membership spans more than 40 countries, representing over 100,000 companies employing more than 20 million people. The federation promotes international cooperation, sustainable supply chains, innovation, technology, global trade, knowledge sharing and harmonization of industry standards, while serving as the leading global voice of the apparel industry.

Khokhar has maintained a long association with the IAF, previously serving as an Executive Board Member and Regional President. In these roles, he actively promoted stronger cooperation among apparel-producing countries and advocated greater representation for developing economies in global trade.

A pioneer of Pakistan’s martial arts garments industry, Khokhar heads Ashraf Industries (Pvt.) Ltd., Sialkot, a globally recognized manufacturer and exporter of martial arts uniforms since 1969. Under his leadership, the company has earned an outstanding international reputation for quality and innovation while successfully competing in global markets.

Throughout his distinguished career, Khokhar has served multiple terms as Chairman of PRGMEA and currently serves as its Chief Coordinator. He is also a founding Executive Board Member of the Asian Apparel Federation (AAF), a lifetime member of FPCCI and SAARC Chamber, and a Trustee of Sialkot Dry Port Trust. He has consistently promoted regional cooperation among Asia’s major apparel-producing countries to strengthen Pakistan’s apparel exports.

In recognition of his outstanding contribution to Pakistan’s economy and exports, Khokhar was awarded the Sitara-e-Imtiaz, one of Pakistan’s highest civilian honours, in 2007. He also received the Businessman of the Year Gold Medal from the Prime Minister of Pakistan. Under his leadership, Ashraf Industries won the FPCCI Export Trophy for 25 consecutive years (1983–2008) as one of Pakistan’s leading exporters of martial arts uniforms.

Business leaders said Khokhar’s election reflects not only his decades of visionary leadership and invaluable contribution to Pakistan’s apparel sector but also the growing international recognition of the country’s value-added textile industry, particularly Sialkot’s SME sector. They expressed optimism that his new global role will strengthen Pakistan’s presence in international policy discussions, promote sustainable growth, encourage investment and create greater opportunities for the country’s apparel exporters in global markets.