Pakistan, Aug. 8 -- Pakistan's textile and garment industry stands at the centre of the country's economic identity. It contributes approximately 8.5 per cent of GDP, supports millions of direct and indirect livelihoods, and generates more than 60 per cent of national export earnings. Clothing, hosiery, denim, home textiles and athletic wear produced in Faisalabad, Karachi, Lahore and Sialkot are sold by major brands across Europe and North America.

This global footprint creates opportunity, but it also brings scrutiny. International advocacy organisations have raised concerns about wage violations, excessive or involuntary overtime, weak grievance mechanisms and the limitations of conventional social audits. Such allegations cannot simp...