3rd International conference on Knowledge Based Textiles inauguration session was held on 5th of March at National Textile University, Faisalabad. This conference was hosted by National Textile University, Pakistan’s leading textile institute, under the Umberella of Grand Challenge Fund Project (KnowTex) funded by higher education commission (HEC) of Pakistan. More than 30+ international speakers from USA, UK, Indonesia, China, Qatar, Spain, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Uganda, Kenya, Egypt, Estonia and Malaysia are attending in this conference.

Conference Secretary, Dr Muzammil Hussain gave his maiden speech started the with a welcoming note for the participants of the 3rd international conference on Knowledge based textiles. He stressed that conference will play a key role in shaping the economy of Pakistan and introducing value added product through product diversification in market through sustainable growth and will help in achieving long term growth in Textile exports. He thanked all the sponsors, delegations, universities, industries, Textile associations including PTEA, PHMA, PRGMEA, APTMA, APBUMA, CLOA and Dyes & Chemical association of Pakistan.

Media Secretary, Mr. Hassan Iftekhar Ahmed thanked all management and organizing committee of this conference and is thankful to all the sponsors, media professionals, academia, industries, textile professional for their generous support and participation in this dynamic conference.

Prof. Dr Yasir Nawab, Conference Chair said that we have collaborated with academia, community, industry and government and put all our efforts together to make an impact through knowledge-based textiles. He introduced more than 30 plus ready to market and scalable products under the grand challenge fund funded by Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. Among these are banana fabric, sisal fiber apparel, waste leaves fabric, puncture resistant fabric, multifunctional yarns, increased capacity of power loom, melt spinning machine for recycled polyester, IR shielding fabric, sheep breeds wool/cotton blended fabric and many more. He said we have a launched a skilled efficiency proficiency program for training of the industry professionals. He said that NTU has the capacity and close industrial collaborations with major stakeholder of Pakistan which make its unique institution of Pakistan. He said we are looking towards industrialists for technology transfer of these ready products and adoption for upscaling which will help in boosting the economy of Pakistan through exporting these value-added products.

Dr. Shahid Rasool from Northumbria University, UK said NTU and Northumbria university need to make collaborative partnership and develop ecosystem of textile manufacturers and use combined resources to achieve targets. He emphasized that we need to make speedy efforts for joint funding, joint commercialization and mobilize the faculty and student exchange process.

Mr. Navid Gulzar, Member Board of Governor NTU and member All Pakistan Textile Association emphasized the importance of production of better-quality fibers and need of making collaborative efforts to compete the cutting-edge industry revolution. He highlighted the importance of producing high-quality products from textile industry by upgradation of the technology.  The conference will play a vital role in embracing the knowledge-based textile, sustainable materials and will help in unlocking the world of opportunities by better research and development and prepare solutions of our problems through fore front revolution.

Mr. Khawaja Muhammad Amjad from Pakistan Hoisery Manufacturing Association said that Pakistan is equipped with land locked natural resources and has unique geo political situation. However, we lack in sustainable and industry supported policies and government should play a play its role in introducing friendly policies related to agriculture and industrial sector. He said through business friendly policies, less taxes, ease of doing business, promoting revenue generation through technology, productivity, political and economic stability we can achieve sustainable growth. He said by introducing and improvising policies we can emerge as a rising and leading star in the world of economies.

Mr. Muhammad Idress (Vice Chairman of Pakistan Exporters Textile Associations) said we should work on lean manufacturing processes and advancement in sustainable textiles. We must take diverse steps in productivity, efficiency, ecofriendly quality control systems and social ethics.

Rector Prof. Dr. Tanveer Hussain welcomed all the distinguished guests. He said that our economy is currently struggling and gave critical steps that needs to be adopted for future for socio economic development of our country. As textile and clothing of the world is 5th largest commodity of about 958 billion dollars and Pakistan share is only 18.06 billion dollars. And for that we should be focused on industrialization and our policies should be towards the value-added products, reducing imports and local production should be encouraged. As world is moved towards sustainability, textile circularity & recycling we should paly our role and contribute to our best. The application of artificial intelligence in textile clothing must be in consideration if we have the aim to compete our competitors.

The conference had two exciting panel discussion on topics “Navigating the Global Fashion Landscape: Challenges and Opportunities for Textile Manufacturers” and “Charting the Path: Advancing Pakistan's Textile Industry Through Circular Practices” moderated by Dr. Shahid Rasul from Northumbria University, UK and Dr. Munir Ashraf, National Textile University, Pakistan. These discussions will pave a way in developing national consensus and will help in shaping the textile economy of Pakistan. Later conference splitted into three streams: Functional/Smart Textile, Circularity Fashion and Composite Materials in which more than 30 national and international speakers gave there talks.