SMAP Calls for Enhanced National Shipping Capabilities

The urgency of the issue has prompted SMAP to demand government support, specifically targeting the enhancement of the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC). By bolstering the capacity of the state-owned PNSC, SMAP believes competitive rates could be secured, providing a much-needed buffer against the rising costs. Qasim Yaqoob Paracha, the acting chairman of SMAP, has stressed the need for a swift and comprehensive governmental response to confront the multi-faceted obstacles that salt exporters are currently battling.

Suggestions for Fleet Expansion and Decisive Government Action

There is an emergent call among industry leaders for national shipping lines to expand their fleet temporarily by acquiring additional ships. This expansion could be a strategic move to manage the crisis in the short term. In a concerted effort to draw attention to the severity of the situation, the Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, the Ministry of Commerce, and other concerned authorities have been appealed to for their understanding and prompt intervention. Stakeholders maintain that the salt export industry’s future is hanging in the balance, and resolute action from the government is deemed crucial for its survival.

Decisive Measures Urged to Safeguard Salt Exports

Overcoming the crisis is seen as a test of resilience for Pakistan's salt exporters. With the appropriate support and strategic adjustments, the industry hopes to navigate through these troubled waters. The SMAP and industry leaders are awaiting a positive response from the government to take assertive steps that would not only resolve the current predicament but also chart a course for sustainable growth in the long term. The call for action goes beyond immediate relief, eyeing the preservation and endurance of one of Pakistan's valuable export sectors.