Quick answer: Working with a Pakistani sportswear factory goes smoothly when you confirm samples, sizes, payment terms, lead times and shipping in writing before bulk production.
Choosing Pakistan for sportswear production is one decision; working smoothly with a Pakistani factory every day is another. This practical guide covers the things international buyers ask us most often: time zones, working days, public holidays, payments, shipping documents and duties. If you want the bigger picture first, read our complete guide to sportswear manufacturing in Pakistan.
Quick answer
Buyers working with a sportswear factory in Pakistan should plan for the PKT time zone (UTC+5), a Monday-to-Saturday working week in most factories, production slowdowns around Eid holidays, payment by bank transfer to the company account, and export documents such as a commercial invoice, packing list and certificate of origin.
Sourcing from Pakistan? Ravix Pro Industry in Sialkot is a sportswear and clothing manufacturer trusted by sports clubs and clothing brands in the USA, UK, Europe, Canada, Australia and the UAE. One factory for custom, OEM and private label production, with in-house sublimation, printing and embroidery and an MOQ of 30 pieces per design. USA · UK · EU · Get a free quote.
Part of our guide: Pakistan Clothing Manufacturing: The Complete Guide · Quick answers
Time zone and communication
| Your location | Time difference to Pakistan (PKT, UTC+5) | Best overlap |
|---|---|---|
| UK | Pakistan is 4–5 hours ahead | Your morning = Pakistan afternoon |
| Central Europe | Pakistan is 3–4 hours ahead | Your morning |
| US East Coast | Pakistan is 9–10 hours ahead | Your early morning or late evening |
| US West Coast | Pakistan is 12–13 hours ahead | Your evening |
Pakistan does not use daylight saving time, so the gap changes when your country changes its clocks. WhatsApp and email are the most common tools; many factories, including ours, answer messages outside office hours so buyers in the USA get replies within 24 hours.
Working week
Most export factories work Monday to Saturday, with Sunday off. Friday afternoons can be shorter because of Friday prayers. Factor this into urgent timelines.
Public holidays that affect production
The biggest are Eid ul-Fitr (after Ramadan) and Eid ul-Adha. Factories often close for several days and workers travel home, so production slows before and after. Because these follow the Islamic lunar calendar, they move about 10–11 days earlier each year. Ask your supplier for the holiday calendar and avoid tight deadlines around Eid.
Languages
English is widely used in business, and export teams in Sialkot communicate daily with buyers in the USA, UK and Europe. Clear written specifications, Pantone codes and annotated mockups avoid misunderstandings in any language.
Payments
- The usual method is international bank transfer (TT) to the company’s registered bank account.
- A typical structure is sample paid upfront, a deposit for bulk, and the balance after approval of finished goods.
- Always check that the bank account name matches the company name on the invoice.
- Large orders can use letters of credit.
Export documents
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Commercial invoice | Value and description for customs |
| Packing list | Cartons, quantities, weights |
| Air waybill or bill of lading | Transport document |
| Certificate of origin | Proves Pakistani origin; may be needed for preferential duty |
Duties and trade preferences
EU buyers may benefit from GSP+ and UK buyers from the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) when rules of origin are met. The EU scheme has been extended to 2027, with new rules ahead, so check the current position with your customs broker. US imports pay standard duty rates for the product category.
Shipping options
- Air courier: door to door in days; best for samples and small orders.
- Air freight: for medium shipments, cleared by your broker.
- Sea freight: lowest cost per kilo for large orders, several weeks in transit, typically from Karachi.
Visiting a factory
Sialkot has its own international airport, and Lahore is a few hours’ drive away. Many buyers start with a live video tour and visit once the relationship grows. See how to find a reliable sportswear manufacturer.
From our factory floor in Sialkot
At Ravix Pro Industry we have manufactured sportswear since 2008. Every order follows the same 11 steps: quote, design, approval, sample, cutting, decoration, stitching, thread trimming, quality check, packing and door-to-door shipping. Sublimation, screen printing, embroidery and stitching happen in-house, so we control colour, print quality and timing ourselves. The most common problem we see with first-time buyers is skipping the sample; a physical sample costs a little extra but prevents expensive surprises in bulk. See our manufacturing process and quality checks.
Ready to start? Request a free quote or message us on WhatsApp with your design, quantity and sizes. MOQ from 30 pieces per design. We reply within 24 hours.
FAQs
What time zone is Pakistan in?
Pakistan Standard Time (PKT), UTC+5, with no daylight saving.
Do Pakistani factories work on Saturdays?
Most export factories work Monday to Saturday.
How do I pay a factory in Pakistan?
Usually by international bank transfer to the company account; letters of credit for larger orders.
Do Eid holidays delay orders?
Production slows around Eid. Plan deadlines with your supplier’s holiday calendar.
Sources
- The Standard, “European Parliament extends GSP status for developing nations till 2027”, June 2026: thestandard.com.pk
- ProPakistani, “UK announces initiatives to boost trade with Pakistan” (Developing Countries Trading Scheme), June 2023: propakistani.pk
