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KARACHI July 13,2026: The Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) has urged the federal government to take immediate steps to protect Pakistan’s economy, trade and industry from the impact of renewed tensions between the United States and Iran.
FPCCI President Atif Ikram Sheikh expressed concern over the escalating regional conflict and called for a comprehensive crisis-response strategy to safeguard trade routes, energy supplies and industrial activity.
He said Pakistan has recently achieved economic stability through fiscal discipline. However, rising geopolitical tensions could trigger higher oil prices, disrupt maritime trade and fuel inflation.
Therefore, he urged the government to work closely with the business community to develop a strategic plan that secures energy imports and protects export-oriented industries from external shocks.
Meanwhile, FPCCI Senior Vice President Saquib Fayyaz Magoon warned that any conflict in the Persian Gulf could sharply increase freight costs, delay shipments and disrupt supply chains.
He said SMEs are already struggling with high energy tariffs and expensive financing. Moreover, higher fuel prices and shortages of raw materials could force many manufacturers to scale down operations or shut their businesses.
Magoon also called on the government to ensure uninterrupted access to industrial raw materials while limiting non-essential foreign exchange outflows.
FPCCI Vice President and Regional Chairman Sindh Abdul Mohamin Khan highlighted the risks facing Karachi, the country’s main port city and industrial hub.
He said disruptions in regional shipping routes could further increase business costs and weaken exports. Therefore, he urged the government to establish fast-track business facilitation centers across Sindh and improve coordination between federal and provincial authorities to reduce port-related delays.
Finally, the FPCCI leadership called on the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Commerce, Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) to form a joint task force with the business community.
The proposed task force, they said, should closely monitor regional developments, prepare contingency plans and ensure uninterrupted trade while protecting local industries from external economic shocks.
