PHMA demands clearance of containers carrying hefty export orders.

LAHORE -- Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers and Exporters Association (PHMA) has condemned the illegal detention of containers loaded with exports' goods by the law agencies in various cities of Punjab. In a letter written simultaneously to the prime minister's commerce advisor, Punjab chief minister and Punjab chief secretary, PHMA Vice-Chairman Shafique Butt observed that the detention of containers by the police have put millions of dollars worth export orders at risk. 'The supply of imported raw material is not reaching the manufacturing units as the government has laid siege to the main cities,' he remarked. Blaming both the government and the opposition for the prevalent state of economy, he said that all governments of the past remained indifferent towards the country's export crisis.

'The confiscation of containers and heavy vehicles was causing trouble to the importers, exporters as well as transporters, halting trade and industrial activities across the country,' he maintained. The vice-chairman said the business community was impartial and it should not be dragged into political affairs, adding that the containers were held by the police for political reasons while the 'demurrage and rent cost would be sustained by the businessmen for nothing'. Butt said owing to the seizure of containers, the LCs (Letters of Credit) of traders would expire and their export orders could be cancelled.

He...