Ismail Suttar, Founding Chairman of the Salt Manufacturers Association of Pakistan (SMAP), has voiced strong concerns over the Punjab government’s potential ban on the export of raw pink Himalayan salt. Suttar criticized the announcement made by Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, describing it as part of a troubling trend of poorly considered decisions affecting the industry. Suttar expressed his surprise at the Chief Minister’s office making such a declaration without consulting key stakeholders in the salt industry.
He noted that the association had expected a meeting with the Punjab government to discuss the ramifications of such a decision before any final actions were taken. Suttar emphasized the financial strain on the industry, stating, “We are already grappling with substantial debt and cannot afford decisions that seem politically motivated. In Pakistan, the private sector handles 70 percent of mining activities, while government organizations like the Pakistan Minerals Development Corporation (PMDC) manage only 30 percent and also depend on private contractors.
Yet, decisions that impact the entire sector are made by a small government minority without broader industry consultation.” He advocated for a more structured and consultative approach to decision-making, citing the example of Indonesia’s Trade Minister Muhammad Lutfi, who engaged extensively with stakeholders before implementing a ban on raw nickel exports. “Value addition is a complex process that requires time, investment, and thorough research to develop products that meet international standards. Only after this transition period should a ban on the export of raw minerals be considered,” Suttar added.
If the Punjab government aims to enhance exports of value-added products, Suttar suggested exploring the processing of other minerals such as lithium, rare earth elements, bromine, and potash, which could potentially bring significant revenue. While SMAP is not opposed to banning the export of raw salt if it benefits the country, Suttar stressed the importance of involving relevant stakeholders in discussions to avoid jeopardizing existing export markets.
