PFVA concerned over traders’ harassment

KARACHI: The Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchant Association (PFVA) on Tuesday expressed concerns over harassment of traders by armed gangs in Sindh, who have started occupying mango orchards, already booked by the country’s leading exporters.

According to a statement, the Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchant Association has demanded the government to tackle traders’ concerns, otherwise they would not be able to meet mango export targets set by the government for the coming season.

“We have requested the government and the law-enforcement agencies to take notice of this illegal practice on immediate basis, vacating the orchards from the occupants,” Waheed Ahmed, chairman of PFVA, said.

“This development is forcing the exporters to go pillar to post for seeking help for saving their businesses,” he said. 

“This would not only hurt exports, but discourage business activities in the country,” he added. 

He also said that leading exporters, wholesalers, packers and processors of fresh fruits, vegetables and manufacturers of the value-added products in Sindh are facing such a problem for the first time.