Interview with Muhammad Kashif Raza Bhatti: addressing container crisis and export challenges
Reporter: Bhatti, as a core committee member (Loyal Group) of the Pakistan International Freight Forwarder Association (PIFFA), could you shed some light on the current situation concerning the unavailability of containers and its impact on the freight industry?
Muhammad Kashif Raza Bhatti: Thank you for the opportunity to speak on this critical issue. Unfortunately, Pakistan’s freight and export sectors are facing huge disruptions due to the non-availability of containers. The government authorities, particularly the police, have forcefully taken over these containers, placing them on roads to block protestors. This illegal seizure, often carried out by SHOs, is inflicting millions of dollars in losses on the national exchequer. Export orders are being delayed, and in many cases, the perishable items inside these containers are being destroyed. As a result, exporters are facing immense difficulties in meeting their international commitments, further straining an already fragile export sector.
Reporter: What do you think should be done to address this issue?
Muhammad Kashif Raza Bhatti: The authorities have to take immediate note of this situation. The illegal seizure of containers must stop. The containers are not meant for roadblocks; they are essential for international trade. The government needs to provide alternative solutions for managing protests without disrupting the supply chain. If the authorities don’t act now, Pakistan’s already struggling export sector will face irreparable damage. A coordinated approach involving the government, law enforcement, and the business community is immediately needed to resolve this crisis.
Reporter: How severe is the damage caused by the forced use of these containers for roadblocks?
Muhammad Kashif Raza Bhatti: The damage is unbearable. First, containers are a vital part of the supply chain, especially for exporters. When these containers are seized and used as barricades, they’re kept out of circulation for days, sometimes weeks. Exporters are unable to meet their deadlines, forcing cancellations of orders. In many cases, especially with perishable goods like fruits, vegetables, and seafood, the delay causes the goods to perish, leading to heavy financial losses. This affects not only the exporters but also the overall economy. The containers also get damaged while being used for purposes other than transportation, further adding to costs.
Reporter: Pakistan has already been struggling to meet its export targets. How does this crisis impact those efforts?
Muhammad Kashif Raza Bhatti: Absolutely, Pakistan is already grappling with the challenge of meeting its export targets, which are crucial for improving the trade balance and boosting foreign exchange reserves. This container crisis has made an already difficult situation even pworse. Exporters cannot fulfill their commitments, and potential clients are losing trust in Pakistan’s ability to deliver on time. If this continues, it will significantly hurt the country’s ability to achieve its export goals. We are already missing out on vital opportunities in the global market, and every delay exacerbates the problem.
Reporter: Thank you for your time, Bhatti.
Muhammad Kashif Raza Bhatti: Thank you for raising the issue. I hope the authorities act instantly to avoid further dustruction to the economy.
