Professional Profile
Dr. Gohar Ejaz is a distinguished business and industry leader, philanthropist, and visionary. Renowned for his tireless efforts to drive Pakistan's economic progress, he has been instrumental in advancing industrial growth and supporting social welfare initiatives across the country.
Dr. Gohar Ejaz has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to Pakistan’s economic development and social welfare through several esteemed accolades. He received the Sitar-i-Imtiaz in 2013 for his role in strengthening the nation’s economic foundations. In 2021, Punjab University awarded him an Honorary Doctorate in acknowledgment of his significant impact on economic growth and social initiatives. Most recently, in 2023, he was conferred the Hilal-i-Imtiaz for his transformative philanthropic efforts. These honors reflect Dr. Ejaz’s unwavering commitment to advancing Pakistan’s economic and social progress.
Dr. Gohar Ejaz has been a steadfast advocate for Pakistan's socio-economic development, with a focus on empowering vulnerable segments of society through improved access to healthcare, education, and job opportunities. As the Patron-in-Chief of the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA), he spearheaded a significant transformation of Pakistan’s textile sector. His leadership drove the creation of millions of new jobs and increased annual textile exports by $6-7 billion within two years, with exports rising from $13 billion in FY18 to $19.4 billion in FY22—an impressive growth of over 50% in a short timeframe. In recognition of his exceptional contributions to Pakistan's economic growth and his philanthropic efforts, Dr. Ejaz was awarded the Hilal-i-Imtiaz, Pakistan’s second-highest civil award, on the country’s 75th Anniversary (Diamond Jubilee) on August 14, 2022. This honor reflects his dedication to advancing the nation’s economic interests and his unwavering commitment to community welfare through improved healthcare and education.
Dr. Gohar Ejaz has been a key advocate for energy reforms, recognizing affordable electricity as a cornerstone of economic progress and industrial growth in Pakistan. Leveraging his leadership as Patron-in-Chief of the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) and his tenure as a federal minister, he has championed initiatives to reduce electricity tariffs and enhance energy market efficiency. Dr. Ejaz has actively pushed for renegotiating Independent Power Producer (IPP) contracts, transitioning to competitive energy market models, and implementing reforms to promote transparency and affordability. His recommendations, including regionally competitive tariffs for industries and relief for domestic consumers, aim to strengthen Pakistan’s export competitiveness, attract investment, and drive sustainable business development. Through these efforts, Dr. Ejaz continues to play a pivotal role in addressing energy challenges, fostering industrial productivity, and contributing to Pakistan’s economic stability and growth.
Dr. Gohar's vision, leadership, and commitment to Pakistan's progress have driven numerous transformative initiatives, reshaping the country's economic and social landscape. Key achievements under his leadership include:
Revitalizing the Textile Sector:
Under his stewardship as Patron-in-Chief of the All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA), Pakistan's textile exports surged from $13 billion in FY18 to $19.4 billion in FY22—a remarkable growth of over 50% within four years. This growth was facilitated by policy reforms, technological upgrades, and the integration of global best practices, positioning the textile sector as a vital contributor to Pakistan's GDP and export portfolio.
Advocating Competitive Energy Pricing:
Dr. Gohar led successful campaigns to secure regionally competitive energy tariffs for the export-oriented textile industry, ensuring cost-efficient production and enhanced global competitiveness. His advocacy resulted in energy rates being adjusted to support industrial growth, with significant cost savings passed on to manufacturers, further bolstering exports.
Fostering Job Creation:
His leadership in the textile industry created millions of direct and indirect employment opportunities, uplifting communities and strengthening Pakistan's economic base. By prioritizing workforce development and skill enhancement programs, Dr. Gohar has enabled the industry to absorb a growing labor force while addressing unemployment challenges.
Driving Export-Led Economic Growth:
A staunch proponent of export-led policies, Dr. Gohar has consistently advocated for measures that enhance the competitiveness of Pakistan’s export sector. His efforts have not only expanded market access for Pakistan's textile products but also established the sector as a cornerstone of economic stability and foreign exchange earnings.
Implementing Energy Market Reforms:
Recognizing the critical impact of energy costs on industrial performance, Dr. Gohar championed the renegotiation of Independent Power Producer (IPP) contracts, shifting towards "Take and Pay" models to align payments with actual consumption. He also supported reforms aimed at fostering a competitive and transparent energy market, which is projected to reduce electricity tariffs by up to Rs. 14 per unit, benefiting both industries and consumers.
Promoting Healthcare and Education:
Beyond industry, Dr. Gohar’s philanthropic efforts have significantly improved access to quality healthcare and education for underprivileged communities. His initiatives include funding schools, hospitals, and scholarships, enabling better opportunities and quality of life for countless individuals. His work reflects a holistic vision of development, integrating economic progress with social welfare.
