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KARACHI: Mian Zahid Hussain, President Pakistan Businessmen and Intellectuals Forum & All Karachi Industrial Alliance and Chairman National Business Group Pakistan, Chairman Policy Advisory Board FPCCI, has expressed deep concern over the escalating US-Israel-Iran conflict, warning that the crisis is inflicting unprecedented damage on Pakistan’s economy, particularly the industrial heartland of Karachi.
He noted that the tragedy of ongoing hostilities, compounded by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, has not only jeopardised over twenty percent of global oil and gas exports but also forced a severe downgrade in Gulf Cooperation Council economic forecasts.
Hussain emphasised that safeguarding economic lifelines and maintaining regional balance is no longer just a diplomatic priority but an absolute necessity for the survival of domestic industries. The logistical impacts on Karachi’s industrial sectors are becoming increasingly unbearable. With international shipping lines are avoiding volatile maritime routes. He said industrial zones such as SITE, Korangi and Landhi are facing an acute shortage of empty containers and exorbitant spikes in freight charges.
Mian Zahid pointed out that raw material imports essential for the textile, pharmaceutical, and manufacturing sectors are severely delayed at Karachi Port Trust and Port Qasim, creating a crippling backlog. Consequently, export orders are being compromised, factory outputs are shrinking, and the cost of production has skyrocketed, threatening layoffs across the country.
He; however, commended the proactive and strategic diplomacy demonstrated by Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership. He stated that the recent high-level visits to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia underscore the nation’s unwavering commitment to its closest allies and to regional peace.
While firmly advocating for the sovereignty of all nations and the immediate cessation of hostilities, Hussain stated that unprovoked aggression undermining the stability of Gulf partners cannot be ignored. Pakistan is executing a highly complex balancing act to prevent strategic partners from being further embroiled in a conflict that threatens global prosperity, while simultaneously implementing necessary domestic austerity measures to weather the economic storm.
He reaffirming the business community’s full support for the leadership’s efforts to navigate this crisis, ensure national energy security, and foster a peaceful resolution that restores stability to the Middle East and the global economy.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026