The SITE Association of Industry today issued a stark warning that substantial financial penalties levied on businesses following a recent goods transporters” strike could critically impede industrial operations and jeopardize national exports.
In a statement, association President Ahmed Azeem Alvi acknowledged relief over the strike”s conclusion but emphasized its severe consequences, noting that cargo movements at Karachi Port and Port Qasim had come to a complete standstill, stranding numerous export and import consignments for days.
Alvi highlighted that while businesses were not responsible for the work stoppage, they are now facing significant demurrage and detention charges, compounding the economic difficulties they already endure.
The industry representative has formally urged Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwar Chaudhry to intervene and instruct port authorities and shipping lines to abolish the accrued charges immediately.
He stressed that the accountability for the costly delays rests solely with the transporters who initiated the strike, not the industries affected by the disruption.
The SITE president cautioned that imposing these additional costs on industries already battling escalating production expenses threatens to undermine Pakistan”s export commitments and disrupt the essential flow of imported raw materials to manufacturing facilities.
Alvi concluded by asserting that the waiver is vital for enabling companies to meet their delivery schedules with international clients and for the swift restoration of normal industrial activity nationwide.