Exporters have started fearing losses after the government’s move of impounding containers to counter the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led protest and the march towards Islamabad.
In an immediate reaction to the seizure of thousands of containers across the country by the multiparty government, the exporters of fruit and vegetables have claimed that the export of horticulture products is being hampered by the blockage of major roads and the seizure of containers to prevent the long march.
In a statement issued by Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchant Association, the developing situation in the country could badly affect the export of perishable items including potatoes, onions and mangoes.
According to the association the containers and trawlers bound for the port with export consignments have been stopped by blocked roads. Apart from the already loaded containers, a large number of empty containers were also stopped on the way to block roads and major arteries of the country.
“If the seizure of containers continues for a couple of days the export orders could be delayed, ultimately causing huge losses to the exporters,” said Waheed Ahmed of the horticulture association.
According to him, a delayed supply of the fruit and vegetable export means orders may be canceled, which would also cause a loss of the export market.
“It is very unfortunate that governments use the export oriented containers and trucks to block roads as a strategy to prevent protests and rallies in the country. Such initiatives badly affect the already crisis-stricken trade and exports of the country,” the association said.
“Whenever our exports are delayed, the importers, as an immediate and alternative solution, approach Indian exporters for the import of such items,” Waheed claims, adding that buyers refuse to accept the goods that are delivered late.
The exporters have demanded an early release of the containers and trawlers.
This practice has been in vogue in Pakistan in order to stop agitators and strikers from gathering at one particular spot where they have announced a protest on a particular date. The impounding started a few days before the proposed march and continues unabated. Any container that leave a mill or factory fully loaded with export consignment gets impounded.
Source: PakistanToday