Conference Highlights Pakistan’s Thousands-Year Cotton History and Textile Industry
Mian Nadeem
Published September 12, 2026 | 05:18 PM
Cotton is not merely an agricultural crop or economic commodity for Pakistan, but also an integral part of the country’s cultural heritage, Pakistan’s Ambassador to France Mumtaz Zahra Baloch stated while addressing an event.
In Paris, a special conference was held to showcase the thousands-year history of cotton cultivation and the textile industry in Pakistan, its cultural significance, and its global influence in the fashion industry.
Titled "The Thread of Cotton: Thousands of Years of Cotton Culture in Pakistan", the event took place at the Embassy of Pakistan in Paris and was attended by diplomats, UNESCO officials, representatives from the French textile industry, fashion designers, and experts.
Addressing the assembly, Ambassador Baloch noted that the history of cotton's discovery and cultivation in ancient Pakistan dates back approximately 7,000 years. She explained that farmers, spinners, and weavers in the region had cultivated a robust textile tradition over centuries, which subsequently played a pivotal role in establishing the global textile industry.
The Ambassador continued by stating that when cotton reached other continents, it carried not only economic value but also knowledge, skills, craftsmanship, and cultural exchange among diverse civilizations.
Textiles and garments remain a cornerstone of Pakistan's industrial production and exports, employing a significant portion of the country's workforce. From spinning mills in Faisalabad to export houses in Karachi and Lahore, the textile industry holds a central position in Pakistan's economy.
Ambassador Baloch emphasized that cotton is not just an agricultural crop but also a vital component of Pakistan's cultural heritage. Centuries-old traditions of spinning, weaving, embroidery, and textile craftsmanship are integral to the country's identity.
These living traditions, as she described them, constitute intangible cultural heritage, carefully preserved by UNESCO. They encompass knowledge, skills, and craftsmanship passed down through generations.
Frederika Sundberg, founder of M. Sundberg and president of Cercle des Amis du Pakistan, also spoke at the conference. She shared her insights on Pakistan's textile sector and traced the history of cotton in Pakistan from the Indus Valley to the modern textile industry. Ms. Sundberg highlighted the export potential of Pakistani textile products in global markets, noting that the industry held significant international expansion opportunities.
The conference also featured a French archaeologist who provided additional perspectives on Pakistan's textile heritage.