The FBR decides to install monitoring cameras at spinning and textile mills across the country as part of a new monitoring plan, sources confirmed on Tuesday. The move aims to closely track production levels in the textile sector, which is one of Pakistan’s largest industries.
According to officials, the Federal Board of Revenue has directed mill owners to place surveillance cameras inside their facilities. The system will reportedly be supplied and installed by two private companies selected for the project. Industry representatives say that invoices for the equipment have already been issued to various mills.
Sources within the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) stated that up to 20 cameras will be installed at each mill. The installation will take place in phases. They added that the required cameras and related software are available in the market at almost half the quoted price. This has raised concerns within the industry about the cost burden placed on mill owners.
Textile mill owners have strongly opposed the decision. They argue that the initiative is unnecessary and places additional pressure on an already struggling sector. Some owners claim the step is excessive and does not address the core problems they face.
APTMA sources also indicated that the association plans to take up the matter with the FBR chairman. They hope the authority will reconsider the decision after reviewing current industry challenges, including high energy prices, increased taxes, and declining production.
Industry insiders highlighted that nearly half of the textile sector is already shut down due to electricity shortages, gas supply issues, and rising operational costs. In this situation, they say the new monitoring requirement adds another layer of difficulty.
Despite the criticism, the FBR decides to install monitoring cameras as part of what it calls a transparent monitoring process. Officials believe the system will help improve documentation and ensure accurate reporting from the mills. However, industry stakeholders remain unconvinced and call the move confusing and poorly timed.
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As the situation develops, the textile sector awaits further clarification on why the FBR decides to install monitoring cameras and how the policy will be implemented in the coming months.
