Port Qasim Authority sets up export facilitation desk as govt moves to curb freight, war surcharge pressures

The Port Qasim Authority (PQA) has established an export facilitation desk to address exporters’ concerns, ensure timely resolution of issues and support smooth export operations amid disruptions in global shipping, Business Recorder reported. 

The initiative comes as the Pakistan Textile Council (PTC) acknowledged government measures taken to manage rising freight costs and the imposition of war risk and emergency conflict surcharges on exports.

In a letter to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, PTC Chairman Fawad Anwar stated that immediate directives issued to relevant ministries and the formation of a coordinated response mechanism helped reduce uncertainty and support export operations.

The council said regulatory actions included the issuance of customs circulars to improve transparency in freight charges and prevent unjustified levies by shipping lines.

Measures also included restrictions on the retroactive application of war risk surcharges on consignments already in transit and steps to address non-transparent pricing practices in the shipping sector.

The PTC noted that engagement with international stakeholders, including insurance companies and shipping lines, as well as diplomatic efforts, were undertaken to challenge Pakistan’s classification in high-risk categories that had led to additional export costs.

The council also acknowledged the role of Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar, Minister of State for Finance Bilal Azhar Kayani, Adviser to the Prime Minister Dr Syed Tauqir Hussain Shah, Federal Secretary Maritime Affairs Syed Zafar Ali Shah, Federal Secretary Commerce Jawwad Paul, Member Customs (Operations) Syed Shakeel Shah, Additional Secretary-II at the Prime Minister’s Office Muhammad Yahya Akhunzada, and Chief Collector of Customs Appraisement (South) Mohsin Rafiq in coordinating the response.

Officials said the facilitation desk will act as a focal point for exporters to raise operational issues and seek resolution as the government continues to monitor developments in global shipping markets.