Anti-canals protests in Sindh: Exporters highly perturbed due to suspension of cargo traffic

FAISALABAD: Textile exporters are highly perturbed over suspension of cargo traffic due to province-wide blockade of highways in the Sindh province.

Hundreds of containers bound to export are stranded on the roads for 4-5 days putting millions of dollars export orders on stake. Government must take serious cognizance of the situation and ensure smooth movement of export cargos to safeguard the country’s exports. In a statement here on Tuesday, Pakistan Textile Exporters Association Chairman Sohail Pasha expressed grave concerns over suspension of cargo traffic in Sindh province that has disrupted the trade operations, paralyzing supply chains and dealing a fresh blow to the country’s fragile economy. A large number of export shipments ready to be shipped as per the deadline given by the foreign buyers, are unable to reach the seaports in time, resulting in the vessel sailing away without the consignment, he added. If the situation prolongs further, this will lead to great loss to the exporters, fearing cancellation of vital orders, he warned. Huge foreign orders are feared to be cancelled due to ongoing anti-canals protests and this would result in huge loss for exporters and the economy as failure to fulfill foreign commitments will lead to disputes, loss of customers & market share as well as damaging Pakistan’s reputation as a reliable supplier. PTEA’s Vice Chairman Ameer Ahmad was of the view that entire textile chain is highly perturbed and economic activities have come to a halt in export sector. Blockade of highways has ceased business activities as the goods are not reaching the ports. If the situation would continue, our exports could fall horribly, he apprehended. National economy relies heavily on textile exports and a crisis like situation is posing serious threat to the viability of the industry.

Cargo traffic suspension is not only hurting shipments of export consignments but also disturbing the manufacturing activities as industrial units are not receiving raw materials and fuel to run their mills, resulting in heavy financial loss. PTEA urged the provincial and federal governments to intervene immediately and resolve the issue of blockade of highways in Sindh without any delay. If the issue is not resolved, the exporters will have to face huge financial losses for shipping their goods by air to fulfill their commitments or lose their hard-earned export contracts.