Abstract
The global environment after the expiry of the quota system in textiles and clothing (T&C) trade poses
formidable challenges to human development in Pakistan. Increased quality and price competition in the
post-ATC scenario provides an opportunity for some segments of the T&C sector – but a threat to the
most labour-intensive ones. As quality and quantity of employment were largely ignored factors in the
preparations for the Agreement on Textiles and Clothing’s (ATC’s) abolition in Pakistan, potential job
and wage losses are feared, in garment manufacturing in particular. Unskilled and female workers are
most vulnerable