PHMA warns of export disruption risk in Sindh

LAHORE: The Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PHMA) has strongly urged federal and provincial authorities to take immediate action to restore law and order in Sindh, ensuring the safe movement of export consignments.

The appeal follows renewed unrest in parts of interior Sindh, where protests over canal-related issues have escalated into road blockades, disruptions in supply chains, and reported attempts to stop and loot export shipments en-route to Karachi’s ports.

PHMA Zonal Chairman Abdul Hameed said the association respects citizens’ right to protest peacefully but condemned the targeting of export cargo. “Blocking highways and attacking export consignments is unacceptable. Exporters must not be made scapegoats for political or administrative disputes in which they have no involvement,” he said.

Hameed emphasised that international buyers, particularly in the US and EU, are highly sensitive to shipment delays and reputational risks. “Pakistan cannot afford to be seen as an unreliable supplier due to internal security lapses,” he warned.

The PHMA cautioned that failure to act swiftly could lead to widespread export disruption from Sindh, compounding existing challenges faced by the garment and hosiery sector. “We hope the authorities will respond promptly and sensibly. Time is running out -- our exports must not be held hostage to road protests,” Hameed added.