Report — August 2025

Protests over social security and wages continue; mills’ shutdowns widen; minor tariff relief announced

Summary

August reporting from Punjab recorded large worker rallies around Faisalabad demanding social-security cards and wage adjustments, following an electrocution case and arrears disputes. In parallel, industry coverage early-2025 counted 187 textile mills nationwide shut due to high electricity costs, highlighting how upstream distress magnifies pressure on weaving. A modest Rs 1.89/unit tariff reduction was cleared in August 2025, with unclear pass-through for SME industrial users.

Implications for APPLA

• Monitor whether the 2025 tariff cut reaches B-1/B-2 industrial categories; if not, file representations.
• Expand social-security onboarding camps with labour departments to reduce confrontation and regularize contributions quickly.