FPCCI’s Khurram Ijaz Slams “Exploitative” Port Charges Amid Regional Shipping Crisis.

Former VP of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Khurram Ijaz, has strongly condemned what he describes as the “unjust and exploitative” practices of port authorities and shipping lines. Despite exporters fulfilling their obligations, thousands of containers remain stranded due to the ongoing regional conflict, leading to heavy financial penalties.

The “Force Majeure” Trade Crisis

Exporters are currently facing a “double whammy” of logistical paralysis and aggressive penalty charges:

• Stranded Shipments: Regional instability, particularly the fallout from the U.S.-Iran conflict and the Strait of Hormuz blockade, has left thousands of containers stuck at various ports.
• Demurrage & Detention: Port authorities and shipping lines continue to impose heavy charges for delays that trade experts argue constitute a clear case of Force Majeure (unforeseeable circumstances that prevent someone from fulfilling a contract).
• Urgent Appeal: The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and the FBR have been urged to intervene and waive all charges for shipments that reached ports between February 24 and March 10, 2026.

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Muneeba

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