Qasim Yaqoob Paracha, the Acting Chairman of the Salt Manufacturers Association of Pakistan (SMAP), met with the Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC) officials to discuss the recent security concerns in the Red Sea. He urged the government to urgently pursue international solutions to these disruptions, which have significantly increased freight costs and threaten the viability of the salt sector and other vital industries.

Furthermore, he expressed, “SMAP believes that if PNSC resumes vessel services under Pakistan’s flagship, it will prove highly advantageous, benefiting Pakistan and extending its positive impact to other Muslim countries in the region. This will involve containerized trade. PNSC operates internationally on a commercial market basis with competitive rates.

Khurrum Mirza, Director of Pakistan National Shipping Corporation (PNSC), stated that PNSC and SMAP are eager to collaborate and explore mutually beneficial opportunities. He expressed confidence that the synergies between the two organizations can pave the way for innovative solutions and shared success.

Chairman SMAP, Qasim Yaqoob Paracha, urged the government to take the salt business community on-board while making important decisions, emphasizing that they are severely impacted compared to other sectors.