FAISALABAD - The goods transporters' strike would bring a complete halt to the export activities and also damage the industrial manufacturing, thereby causing a loss of textile export orders worth billions of rupees, warned Pakistan Textile Exporters Association on Friday.
Asghar Ali, the PTEA chairman, and Muhammad Asif, the vice chairman, warned that huge foreign orders would be cancelled due to the strike that would result in huge losses not only to the exporters but also to the national exchequer. The strike would cripple exports, which are the lifeline and backbone of the country's economy, he said. He added that a large number of export shipments ready to be shipped as per the deadline given by the foreign buyers, could not reach the ports on time, resulting in the vessel sailing away without the consignment.
"If the strike prolongs further, it would lead to a great loss to the exporters, fearing cancellation of vital orders," they warned. "All textile chain is facing immense problems and economic activities came to a halt in export sector. The goods transport carriers strike would cease business activities as the goods are not reaching the ports."
Asghar Ali was of the view that textile industry was already facing unprecedented energy crisis, as there was acute loadshedding of electricity and there was complete cut of gas supply to industries in Punjab from last 60 days. Over 50 percent production capacity has already become redundant and massive lay off was underway throughout Punjab, he said. Asif said that goods transport carriers' strike would not only hurt shipments of export consignments but would also disturb import business as importers would be forced to pay demurrages for not clearing their consignments from the ports. Furthermore, the strike also affects manufacturing activities as industrial units will not receive raw materials and fuel to run their mills, resulting in heavy financial loss, he added.
The PTEA urged the provincial and federal governments to intervene immediately and resolve the issue of transporters without any delay. If the strike will not to be called off, the exporters will have to face huge financial losses for shipping their goods by air to fulfill their commitments or lose their hard earned export contracts.
Reference pays tribute: A condolence reference to pay tribute to eminent professors including Dr Sardar Riaz Ahmad Khan, Dr Dawood Ahmad Khan, Dr Ch Abdullah Asghar, Dr Sofi Manoor Ahmad, and Dr Syed Haider Ali Shah was organised by the University of Agriculture Faisalabad here the other day.  The condolence reference was presided over by UAF VC Dr Iqrar Ahmad.
Dr Sardar Riaz Ahmad, Dr Dawood Ahmad, Dr Abdullah Asghar, Dr Sofi Manoor Ahmad, and Dr Syed Haider Ali Shah passed away some weeks back.
Addressing the participants of the academic reference, chief guest and son of late Dr Sardar Riaz Ahmad Khan, Major General Amir Riaz Khan said that his father had a deep association with the UAF and he remained a true patriot Pakistani who did not accept Canadian, American and Saudi immigration always preferred to serve his country.
He said late Dr Riaz Ahmad set very high standards of living and commitments that need to be followed with same verve and passion.  Speaking on the occasion, the UAF VC Dr Iqrar said that late Sardar Riaz Ahmad Khan was an active member of various university authorities.
 He said that Sardar Riaz Ahmad Khan taught him various subjects and explained him some concepts and definitions that he still remember and despite of trying to make them more comprehensive, he could not add more elaboration that he understood by him.
Arid Agricultural University Rawalpindi VC Dr Riaz Niaz Ahmad paid a rich tribute to the late eminent personalities, said he thought that he inspired hundreds of young minds with hard work and dedication.
Waseem Ahmad Khan, Khalid Dawood, Dr Amjad Aulakh, Dr Hafiz Abdul Qayoum, Prof Dr Muhammad Arshad, Dr Aslam Pervaiz, Dr Zahid Ata Cheema, Dr Abdul Salam Khan, Dr Asghar Ali, Dr Farooq Ahmad and Manzoor Thakar also spoke on the occasion.
Later, special prayers were offered to rest the departed souls in eternal peace.