ISLAMABAD: The Port Qasim Authority (PQA) has established an export facilitation desk aimed at addressing exporters’ concerns, ensuring timely resolution of issues, and supporting smooth export operations amid recent challenges in global shipping.
The development comes as the Pakistan Textile Council (PTC) commended Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for his swift intervention following a sharp rise in freight costs and the imposition of war risk and emergency conflict surcharges on Pakistani exports.
In a letter to the Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PTC Chairman Fawad Anwar said the government’s immediate directives to relevant ministries and the formation of a coordinated response mechanism sent a strong and reassuring signal to exporters during a critical period.
He noted that prompt actions taken on a war footing helped reduce uncertainty and restore confidence within the export sector.
The council also acknowledged the role of key government officials, including Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, Adviser to the Prime Minister Dr Syed Tauqir Hussain Shah, Federal Secretary Maritime Affairs Syed Zafar Ali Shah, Federal Secretary Commerce Jawwad Paul, Member Customs (Operations) Syed Shakeel Shah, Additional Secretary-II at the Prime Minister’s Office Muhammad Yahya Akhunzada, and Chief Collector of Customs Appraisement (South) Mohsin Rafiq.
According to the PTC, their coordinated efforts resulted in immediate regulatory and administrative relief, including issuance of customs circulars to ensure transparency in freight charges and to prevent unjustified levies.
“Key measures such as prohibiting the retroactive imposition of war risk surcharges on consignments already in transit, and curbing non-transparent and opportunistic pricing practices by shipping lines, have been widely appreciated by the business community,” Anwar stated.
The council further acknowledged the government’s timely engagement with international stakeholders, including insurance companies and shipping lines, as well as diplomatic efforts to challenge Pakistan’s inclusion in high-risk categories that had triggered additional surcharges on exports.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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