By SKM
June 24, 2026
ISLAMABAD: The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) has called for the immediate restoration of possession of the historic Cotton Exchange Building to the Karachi Cotton Association (KCA) and its lawful tenants, warning that the prolonged disruption is adversely affecting Pakistan’s cotton and textile sectors.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, APTMA expressed concern over the continued closure of the landmark facility, describing KCA as a cornerstone of Pakistan’s cotton economy for more than nine decades. The association said KCA has played a pivotal role in facilitating cotton trade, ensuring market transparency, promoting price discovery, maintaining standards, and coordinating among stakeholders across the value chain.
“The Cotton Exchange Building has historically served as the nucleus of Pakistan’s cotton trade,” APTMA said, noting that the premises have long housed merchants, brokers, exporters, service providers, financial institutions and businesses linked to the cotton and textile industries.
According to the association, the ongoing disruption of activities at the building has affected a wide range of stakeholders and undermined the functioning of an institution that has served the country’s cotton economy for generations.
APTMA urged the relevant authorities to hand over possession of the building to KCA and its tenants in accordance with the findings and relief granted by the High Court of Sindh, enabling the association to resume normal operations and continue supporting the cotton sector.
The textile body also voiced concern over the closure of the KCA HVI Laboratory, describing it as a highly respected cotton-testing facility. It noted that the laboratory was ranked first globally through December 2025 in the CSITC Round Trials conducted under the auspices of the International Cotton Advisory Committee (ICAC), the Bremen Fibre Institute and the USDA.
At a time when Pakistan’s textile industry is grappling with domestic and international challenges, APTMA said every effort should be made to strengthen institutions supporting the cotton value chain rather than allow continued disruptions to their operations.
Reaffirming its commitment to the rule of law and respect for judicial pronouncements, APTMA said it supports all lawful efforts aimed at restoring normalcy, protecting legitimate business interests and ensuring that historic trade institutions continue to serve Pakistan’s cotton and textile sectors effectively. Ends
