ISLAMABAD, July 18: Cold storage operators, exporters and agricultural stakeholders from across Pakistan have agreed to form a nationwide industry association aimed at representing the sector before the government and addressing regulatory, operational and export-related challenges.

The decision was announced at the All Pakistan Cold Storage Convention in Islamabad, which organisers described as the first national gathering of its kind for the industry. Participants agreed that the proposed body would seek registration with the Directorate General of Trade Organizations (DGTO) and serve as a formal platform for engagement with policymakers.

Industry representatives said the cold storage sector plays a central role in preserving fresh produce, reducing post-harvest losses, supporting food security and maintaining the supply chain for perishable exports.

Speakers at the convention expressed concern that recent policy decisions affecting fresh and perishable goods had been made without sufficient consultation with cold storage operators and other stakeholders.

They called for the industry to be included in future discussions on taxation, energy costs, export procedures, food preservation standards and regulations affecting agricultural supply chains.

Proposed chairman Arslan Javed said the immediate objective was to complete the registration of the association with the DGTO.

“Once the organisation is registered, we will work collectively to address the challenges facing the industry and help the sector navigate one of its most difficult periods,” he said.

Javed said cold storage facilities were essential for preventing food waste and supporting Pakistan’s agricultural and export economy, particularly for fruits, vegetables and other temperature-sensitive products.

Participants unanimously supported the formation of the proposed association and agreed to develop a joint strategy for direct engagement with federal and provincial authorities.

The convention also decided that the new organisation would submit policy proposals to the government after completing its registration. These recommendations are expected to focus on the sector’s regulatory concerns, operating costs and role in strengthening food and export supply chains.

The proposed leadership presented at the convention includes Arslan Javed as chairman and Anis ur Rehman as senior vice chairman.

Arshad Hussain was proposed as Punjab zonal chairman, Shahid Hussain Solangi as Sindh zonal chairman, Ahmed Jamshed as Khyber Pakhtunkhwa zonal chairman, Malik Shakeel Ahmed as Islamabad zonal chairman, Wahid Agha as Balochistan zonal chairman and Waqas Shahid as general secretary.

Cold storage owners, exporters, farmers’ representatives and other stakeholders from different parts of the country attended the gathering.

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