TEXTILES.ORG
The American Association of Textile Chemists and Colorists (AATCC) announced the addition of a new local section in Pakistan.
Pakistan is globally recognized for its rich textile heritage along with its modern presence as an international textile production hub. The founding of the AATCC Pakistan section is a commitment to empower an innovative, informed, and sustainable future for the local industry.
Founding officers
Section chair: Abdul Rahim Chughtai is a figure in the chemicals, dyes and auxiliaries industries of Pakistan, renowned for his contributions as director of the Rainbow Group, established in 1967. As the founding director and CEO of Rainbow Inks Pvt. Ltd. in 2020, he has spearheaded innovation as a pioneer manufacturer of digital textile printing inks in Pakistan. Beyond his entrepreneurial endeavors, Chughtai is actively engaged in various business federations, leveraging his expertise to drive industry growth. He also serves as the Exhibition Head & Convener of Color & Chem Expo, Pakistan’s platform showcasing advancements in textile dyes, chemicals and auxiliaries.
Section vice chair north: Ahsan Nazir, Ph.D., director of research, innovation and commercialization at the National Textile University in Faisalabad, Pakistan, specializes in textile processing, environmental impacts of textiles, and electro-spun fibers. His work focuses on sustainable textile solutions, traceability and transparency, and research advancing textile science.
Section vice chair south: Muhammad Dawood Husain, Ph.D., is a professor at the Textile Engineering Department of NED University of Engineering & Technology in Karachi, Pakistan. He heads the Smart Manufacturing and Responsive Textiles Research Group and is an active researcher in the areas of smart textiles, textile sensors, soft robotics and performance wear. He has been an active AATCC individual member and faculty advisor for the AATCC NED Chapter since 2013. He has served as an associate editor of the AATCC Journal of Research. He is also a recipient of the 2023 AATCC Student Faculty Advisor Award.
Section secretary: Ahmed Raza is a professional in business development and project management, known for his track record of successful project leadership. As the chief of marketing and management at Rainbow Inks Pvt. Ltd., he drives business growth and innovation in the field of digital textile printing inks and solutions. Beyond his professional role, Raza actively participates in community-driven environmental projects.
Section treasurer: Madiha R. Chughtai is a professional with expertise in business operations and finance. As the founder of Margins, a digital marketing company, and chief of operations and finance at Rainbow Inks Pvt. Ltd., she drives strategic initiatives for efficiency and growth in digital textile printing. With an MSc in Innovation Management & Entrepreneurship, she brings fresh perspectives to leadership, implementing innovative measures for optimized processes. Committed to community impact, Ms. Chughtai fosters collaboration within the industry and actively supports community initiatives.
Founding pillar chairs
The Pakistan local section will focus on various pillars for their programs and educational content, such as:
Laboratory testing: Ahsan Nazir, Ph.D. (National Textile University)
Regulatory & compliance: Rashid ul Haque, owner and director of Event and Conference International Pvt. Ltd. in Karachi, Pakistan, is a professional in the exhibition industry. He has 28 years of experience and a Master of Science in biological sciences from the University of Karachi.
Chemical applications: Abdul Aziz Chughtai is a leading figure in Pakistan’s textile chemicals market, holding the position of director at Rainbow Dye Chem Pvt. Ltd. With an extensive industry background, he has made several contributions to the textile sector nationwide.
Sustainability: Shahid Adeel, Ph.D., an associate professor of applied chemistry at Government College University in Faisalabad, Pakistan, is an expert in textile chemistry, specializing in sustainable extraction and application of natural dyes.
Education/student engagement: Muhammad Dawood Husain, Ph.D. (NED University of Engineering & Technology)