Closure of Sindh Highways Sparks Alarm for Textile Exports

The Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PHMA) has expressed serious concerns regarding the ongoing closure of major highways in Sindh province.

In a recent statement, the PHMA highlighted the detrimental impact of these disruptions on the textile export sector, a crucial component of Pakistan’s economy. The association is appealing for immediate intervention as continuous protests on key Sindh highways leading to Karachi Port are causing significant financial setbacks.

Reports indicate that thousands of containers carrying export goods have been held up for over a week, leading to substantial monetary losses for exporters already facing a volatile global economic climate.

The North Zone chapter of the PHMA has voiced profound apprehension over the escalating crisis, emphasizing that the obstruction of export cargo poses a grave threat to the livelihoods of countless individuals connected to the industry.

The disruption of transport routes has also severely hampered the timely delivery of essential imported raw materials to manufacturing facilities, exacerbating challenges for the business community. This has resulted in the slowing of factory operations, potential order cancellations, and dissatisfaction among international buyers due to delays, damaging Pakistan’s reputation as a dependable trade partner.

The business sector, facing existing economic pressures, feels unsupported by the government’s lack of decisive action to clear these vital trade routes. Exporters, who contribute significantly to the national treasury through foreign exchange earnings, now face the risk of large-scale order losses, which could have lasting repercussions for the country’s vulnerable economy.

Given the severity of the situation, Abdul Hameed, Chairman of PHMA (North Zone), has urgently requested the Prime Minister and the Chief Ministers of Sindh and Punjab to take swift measures to restore order.

He emphasized that any delay in resolving this crisis not only puts the export sector at risk but also undermines broader economic recovery efforts at a time when Pakistan can ill afford further obstacles. He asserted that uninterrupted logistics and trade operations are essential for economic stability and growth.

The PHMA stressed that the urgent clearance of blocked highways and consistent access to Karachi Port are crucial to protect numerous businesses, secure jobs, and maintain the country’s vital foreign exchange inflows.

The value-added textile sector is prepared to assist the government in resolving the issue amicably but emphasizes the urgency of the situation. Each day of delay increases the likelihood of production shutdowns, rising unemployment, and the loss of global market share.

The business community is imploring the highest authorities to acknowledge the seriousness of the disruption and prioritize its resolution before it precipitates a widespread economic crisis. Pakistan’s export industry requires immediate assistance and proactive governance to overcome this unprecedented challenge and continue to contribute to national advancement.