Footwear, Material and Machinery Show opens: Gilani reaffirms Pakistan’s status as a responsible state

LAHORE: Chairman Senate Syed Yousuf Raza Gilani on Friday reaffirmed Pakistan’s status as a responsible state, stating that the country has demonstrated this responsibility during critical moments in history, including the Pakistan-India war, even as a nuclear power. Speaking at the 11th Pakistan Footwear, Material and Machinery Show 2026 at Expo Centre Lahore and later addressing the media, Gilani touched on a range of issues spanning national security, regional diplomacy, and industrial development. Responding to questions from journalists, the Senate chairman firmly rejected what he described as ongoing propaganda surrounding his vehicle purchase. He clarified that the acquisition was completed in 2024–25 through entirely lawful procedures and that the provision of vehicles to the Chairman of the Senate and the Leader of the Opposition follows a well-established and long-standing policy. On the subject of rising tensions between Iran and the United States, Gilani said that Pakistan is poised to play a significant role in the region, reiterating that the country’s foremost goal is the prevalence of peace in the world and that Pakistan will continue to make every possible effort toward achieving that end. He further noted that the global economy is facing serious challenges in the current environment and that Pakistan has not been immune to these effects, stressing that the entire nation must come together to confront these circumstances with unity and resolve. Turning to the occasion at hand, the Senate chairman highlighted the impressive growth of Pakistan’s footwear industry, noting that Pakistani footwear exports have now reached more than 60 countries and that the total export volume has risen to 176 million dollars, a figure he said clearly reflects growing global confidence in Pakistani products. He proudly acknowledged that Pakistan has been recognised as the sixth largest shoe-manufacturing country in the world, a distinction that underscores the country’s rising stature in the international arena within this sector. Gilani described the footwear sector as a vital pillar of the national economy, emphasising that the industry is providing employment to thousands of people and playing a significant role in driving the country’s broader economic development. He noted that exhibitions of this kind serve a critical purpose by connecting local industrialists with international suppliers while also introducing modern machinery, materials, and technology and promoting fresh investment and export opportunities. He praised the quality, craftsmanship, and professional capabilities of Pakistani companies and assured the audience that the government would extend every possible support for the continued development and growth of this sector. Chairman of the Pakistan Footwear Manufacturers Association, Rashid Islam, echoed the Senate chairman’s sentiments, affirming that Pakistan is indeed the sixth largest footwear-producing country in the world while pointing out that there remains considerable room for further growth. He called for the footwear industry to be formally recognised as a key industrial sector and urged the government to reduce customs duties on raw materials so that Pakistani exporters can compete more effectively in the global market. Convener Mansoor Ahsan informed the gathering that the three-day exhibition, running from March 27 to 29, 2026, features the participation of more than 100 international companies alongside local industrialists, material suppliers, and machinery experts, making it a significant platform for cross-border industrial engagement. The event was attended by a large number of prominent figures, including Chief Organiser Ahmad Fawad Farooq, Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industries President Faheem ur Rehman Sehgal, as well as a wide representation of domestic and international industrialists, trade organisations, and members of the broader business community. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026

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