Textile industry slams FBR’s mandatory camera surveillance

WEB DESK: The Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) has decided to install monitoring systems in spinning and textile mills across Pakistan, a move that has drawn strong criticism from mill owners who have termed it an unjust imposition.

According to sources, the FBR has directed the textile sector to install surveillance cameras at production sites. The task of providing and installing these cameras has reportedly been awarded to two private companies.

These companies are said to be charging PKR 35 lakh for the cameras and a separate annual fee of PKR 20 lakh for the associated software. Sources indicate that up to 20 cameras could be installed in each spinning mill in phases.

Industry insiders have raised concerns over the cost, stating that the same software and hardware are available in the market at nearly half the quoted price. Mill owners have strongly opposed the directive, calling it an act of overreach and financial burden.

The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) has indicated that it plans to take the matter to the FBR Chairman. Sources within APTMA warn that mills, already struggling with high electricity tariffs, gas shortages, and heavy taxation, may not be able to bear this additional cost and could be forced to shut down.

“The textile sector is already operating at half its capacity due to power tariffs, gas issues, and taxes. These new measures by the FBR are beyond comprehension,” a source from APTMA stated.

The move comes at a time when Pakistan’s textile industry, a critical contributor to exports and employment—is facing severe operational and financial challenges.