KARACHI: Exporters of textile and leather-related items in Karachi have reiterated their demand for allowing them to operate in order to meet export orders while other provincial governments have granted permission for the same.

Exporters said the Sindh government is still dragging its feet in allowing 125 textile and leather exporters.

Commissioner Multan Division on Thursday allowed around 15 textile units to continue the processing of their ongoing export orders up to April 14, while adhering strictly to the safety measures and standard operating procedures issued by the Punjab government in view of the coronavirus threat.

Similarly, Commissioner Lahore Division gave permission to Nishat Mills to continue processing of its export orders up to March 31.

Industries, Commerce and Technical Education Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhawa on March 31 exempted textile export units and animal feed mills, toiletries, PVC pipe, industry related to agriculture, public health and sanitation, defense and energy related industries from public holidays.

On Wednesday, exporters took up the matter with Finance Minister in Islamabad in which the issue of providing permission to textile and leather was also highlighted.

A group of office bearers from All Pakistan Customs Clearing Agents Association, All City Tajir Itehad, Karachi Timber Group, Karachi Iron and Steel Merchants Association and All Pakistan Timber Traders Association during a press conference at Karachi Press Club on Thursday said around 1,500-1,600 containers carrying imported items daily arrive at the port but so far 20,000 containers had piled up since lockdown started .

They called for deferment of of demurrage charges from March 15 to April 15 besides withdrawing detention charges on containers.

Lahore traders approach Shahbaz

In Lahore, small traders and vendors on Thursday urged Shahbaz Sharif to help them obtain financial assistance since they fall under the worst-affected coronavirus people across the country.

“During videoconferencing, we apprised the opposition leader the tough situation we are facing. We told him that all businesses, except medical and food chains, are closed. And the most affected are the shopkeepers,” All Pakistan Anjuam Tajiran Pakistan General Secretary Naeem Mir told Dawn.

Tanzeem-e-Tajiran Pakistan Chief Kashif Chaudhry was not available for comment.

Published in Dawn, April 3rd, 2020