In 2002, archeologists excavating a neolithic burial site in Mehrgarh Balochistan discovered among the dust and bones of a six-thousand year old grave a few copper beads. Trapped within one of the beads were wispy white strands. Metallurgical analysis proved the suspicions of the archaeologists: the strands were cotton. They had been preserved by a unique occurrence of mineralisation of the copper that had trapped the strands of cotton in place.Â
The discovery was monumental, and an article published in the Journal of Archeological Science published later that year announced this was the earliest proven existence of spun cotton in any ancient civilization.
The area we know today as Pakistan has been growing, spinning, weaving, wearing, and exporting cotton for thousands of years. By some estimates the Indus Valley civilization introduced cotton and its uses to the ancient world more than three thousand years ago. The arc of history tells us that Pakistan is a textile country. It is a fact written into the genetic code of this nation. Cotton fields from Patoki to Rahim Yar Khan in Punjab and all the way down to Sanghar in Sindh have for thousands of years provided raw materials to the world’s oldest textile producer.Â
Which is why it was no surprise that, after Partition, textiles emerged as one of the leading industries in Pakistan. Over the decades, it has developed into Pakistan’s largest export oriented sector. In any given year 50-60% of Pakistan’s exports are textiles. Everything from thread, to yarn, as well as bed sheets and jeans are produced, packaged, are made in Pakistan and sold to the world. The content in this publication is expensive to produce. But unlike other journalistic outfits, business publications have to cover the very organizations that directly give them advertisements. Hence, this large source of revenue, which is the lifeblood of other media houses, is severely compromised on account of Profit’s no-compromise policy when it comes to our reporting. No wonder, Profit has lost multiple ad deals, worth tens of millions of rupees, due to stories that held big businesses to account. Hence, for our work to continue unfettered, it must be supported by discerning readers who know the value of quality business journalism, not just for the economy but for the society as a whole.To read the full article, subscribe and support independent business journalism in Pakistan
