SMAP, PNSC discuss Red Sea crisis

KARACHI: Pakistan's salt manufacturers have called on the government to urgently address the security situation in the Red Sea, where a series of attacks on ships have disrupted trade and increased costs.

Qasim Yaqoob Paracha, the acting chairman of the Salt Manufacturers Association of Pakistan (SMAP), met with the officials of the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) on Thursday to discuss the challenges faced by the salt sector and other vital industries.

He urged the government to pursue international solutions to the crisis, which he said threatened the viability of the salt industry, which employs thousands of people and contributes to the country's exports.

"SMAP believes that if PNSC resumes vessel services under Pakistan's flagship, it will prove highly advantageous, benefiting not only Pakistan but also extending its positive impact to other Muslim countries in the region," Paracha said in a statement.

He added that this would involve containerized trade, which would reduce the risk of damage and theft of cargo. Khurrum Mirza, director of PNSC, said that PNSC and SMAP were eager to collaborate and explore mutually beneficial opportunities. He expressed confidence that the synergies between the two organizations could pave the way for innovative solutions and shared success.