Growth of macroeconomics, export-led industries good for Pakistan shipping future.

Byline: Mohammad Arif

Key issue of long overstayed containers need to be addressed promptly

Interview with Mr. Abdullah Farrukh - CEO, Pak Shaheen Freighters (Pvt) Ltd

PAGE: Give us a bit background of your company and group; how it started and carried its work forward?

Abdullah Farrukh: Since its inception in 1981, the Pak Shaheen Group has attained a vanguard position as Pakistan's leading integrated multi-service business conglomerate. It is primarily a logistics service provider group involved in various businesses i.e. Ship Agency, Project Logistics, Air Cargo, Ocean Freight, NVOCC, Land Transport, Off Dock Terminals, Chartering and Brokerage and Travel and Tours and has offices in Karachi, Lahore, Faisalabad, Sialkot and Multan.

As a Group, our operations are through Karachi Port, Port Bin Qasim, Lahore Dry Port, Faisalabad Dry Port and every sea port and airport in Pakistan. Thus, our area of operations touches every mode of transportation with every kind of haulage. Be it air, sea or land, we find a dynamic presence in the country's maritime operations and related activities.

PAGE: While operating on the port, what facilities or difficulties do you usually encounter?

Abdullah Farrukh: The main issue being faced by the shipping companies is the issue of long overstayed containers which is pending since several years.

PAGE: As the member of the All Pakistan Shipping Association, what is your outlook on the shipping industry of Pakistan?

Abdullah Farrukh: The future of shipping industry in Pakistan depends on the macroeconomic stability and growth of export-oriented industries.

PAGE: How do you see the growth of your company in view of the growth of the Pakistani trade?

Abdullah Farrukh: Pak Shaheen Group will benefit from the growth of Pakistani trade in so far as the pace of export will result in faster movement of goods and will thus provide impetus for higher revenue earnings.

PAGE: How do you see the freight expense for Pakistani trade? And any proposal or suggestion you would like to give?

Abdullah Farrukh: The freight expenses are dependent on market forces and in a free economy the rates are determined by the principle of supply and demand.

PAGE: How do you see the performance of Pakistani ports vis a vis other regional ports, where do you think we are lacking in this regard?

Abdullah Farrukh: More efficient use of port facilities, together with improvements in the scale of operations are the main drivers of increasing...