Musadaq Zulqarnain , CEO of Interloop Limited, one of Pakistan’s largest exporters, has laid out a comprehensive short- and long-term roadmap to boost Pakistan’s exports. In a post on a social media platform, Zulqarnain identified apparel and value-added garments as the most immediate drivers of growth while calling for structural reforms, energy sector improvements, and sustained investment in skill development to ensure durable industrial expansion. “In the near term, apparel and value-added garments offer the most immediate pathway to scale exports,” he said The CEO noted that Pakistan possesses the industrial base, operational expertise, and market relationships in this segment. “If we eliminate policy irritants and ensure a genuinely level playing field, the sector can deliver meaningful impact relatively quickly. “However, short-term gains must not distract us from long-term capacity building,” he said. Zulqarnain urged to diversify into other manufacturing domains by investing in skill development for Pakistan’s growing youth population. “The demographic dividend will only materialise if we equip our workforce with relevant, future-ready competencies—starting now to secure outcomes over the coming decade.” “At the same time, structural bottlenecks—particularly in the energy sector—must be resolved,” he added. The entrepreneur was of the view that a competitive, reliable energy and a predictable policy framework are prerequisites for catalysing sustained investment. “Equally important is sending a clear and consistent signal that manufacturing is a national priority—encouraging both domestic and foreign investors to commit long-term capital into value-adding industries. “Without these fundamentals, export-led growth will remain constrained,” he concluded.