Karachi, April 28, 2025 – The Pakistan Hosiery Manufacturers & Exporters Association (PHMA) has issued a grave warning regarding the economic fallout caused by the prolonged closure of major highways across Sindh. In a strongly worded statement, PHMA highlighted that ongoing protests disrupting key transport routes leading to Karachi Port have brought the export sector to a virtual standstill.
According to PHMA, thousands of containers packed with export-ready goods have been stranded for more than ten days, causing millions of dollars in losses. Exporters, already navigating a turbulent global economic environment, now face additional setbacks that could threaten Pakistan’s fragile recovery.
The PHMA North Zone has voiced particular concern, stressing that this is not merely a transport issue but a severe economic emergency. The blockage of export cargo is endangering the livelihoods of millions connected to the textile industry, one of Pakistan’s most critical sources of employment and foreign exchange.
The disruption has also halted the smooth supply of imported raw materials to factories, slowing down production lines and placing international orders at risk. PHMA pointed out that many global buyers are expressing dissatisfaction over the delays, which could tarnish Pakistan’s reputation as a dependable trade partner.
The business community feels increasingly abandoned, with PHMA urging immediate and decisive action from the government. Factory owners and exporters are seeing looming order cancellations, raising fears of mass unemployment and shrinking export revenues. The PHMA emphasized that unless the blockades are cleared swiftly, the damage to the economy could be deep and lasting.
Abdul Hameed, Chairman of PHMA (North Zone), made an urgent appeal to the Prime Minister, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), and the Chief Ministers of Sindh and Punjab to intervene. He underscored that the uninterrupted movement of goods is essential to maintaining economic momentum and avoiding further setbacks at a critical juncture.
PHMA reiterated its readiness to work with the government to resolve the crisis but warned that time is running out. Every additional day of inaction increases the risk of factory closures, layoffs, and permanent loss of market share. The business community looks to the authorities for immediate action to safeguard Pakistan’s export-driven economic future.