Khurram Ijaz, a foreign trade expert and former FPCCI Vice President, has condemned the “unjust practices” of port authorities and shipping lines as exporters face mounting charges for containers stranded after the war in Iran. He stated that exporters had cleared all payments and confirmed bookings before the recent regional tensions, yet shipments remain stuck, leading to unjust penalties.

Ijaz argued that this situation constitutes Force Majeure, making financial penalties both legally and morally indefensible. He criticised the lack of a coordinated response from shipping lines and port operators and advocated for a clear policy directive to address the issue.

He urged the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the Federal Board of Revenue to intervene and waive demurrage and detention fees for consignments at ports between February 24 and March 10, particularly those heading to the Middle East. Ijaz highlighted that Pakistan’s credibility in international markets is at risk, as exporters are already facing high tariffs and rising logistics costs. “Facilitating exporters should be the priority, not penalising them for circumstances beyond their control,” he concluded.