The Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) has raised serious concerns over the seizure and detention of goods transport containers in Islamabad, warning that prolonged restrictions could cause significant financial losses for transporters, logistics companies, importers, exporters and industrial businesses.
KATI President Sheikh Umer Rehan urged the government to take immediate measures to restore the smooth movement of commercial cargo and prevent further disruption to supply chains.
Containers and Trucks Reportedly Held for Nearly 20 Days
According to goods transporters, containers and trucks have been stopped at various locations for nearly 20 days. KATI said the prolonged detention has left freight vehicles idle and created substantial financial pressure across the transportation and logistics sector.
The disruption could also affect the movement of imported and exported goods, industrial raw materials and essential commodities, potentially creating delays for businesses dependent on timely deliveries.
Sheikh Umer Rehan said containers form an essential part of Pakistan’s trade and supply chain infrastructure. Restricting their movement therefore has consequences beyond the transport sector, affecting industry, trade and the wider market.
Perishable Goods Face Additional Risks
KATI warned that prolonged transportation delays could be particularly damaging for perishable products such as vegetables and fruits.
If these goods remain stranded or cannot move through normal supply routes, businesses could face direct financial losses from spoilage. Supply disruptions could also contribute to higher prices for consumers.
The association stressed that maintaining uninterrupted commercial transportation is important for protecting both businesses and the availability of essential commodities.
KATI Calls for Immediate Restoration of Commercial Cargo Movement
Sheikh Umer Rehan acknowledged that protests and political activities are constitutional and legal rights. However, he said such activities should not result in prolonged disruption to industry, trade, investment and employment.
He called on the government to immediately stop the detention of containers being used for legitimate commercial purposes.
Where restrictions are considered necessary because of security requirements, KATI proposed that alternative arrangements should be put in place to ensure the uninterrupted movement of commercial cargo.
Proposal to Use Empty Containers from Yards
KATI also proposed a mechanism involving shipping companies, terminal operators and logistics firms to reduce pressure on commercially active containers.
Under the proposal, the administration could coordinate with relevant stakeholders to identify empty containers available at yards and obtain them against appropriate compensation.
The association believes such an arrangement could help meet administrative or security-related requirements without disrupting containers already being used to transport commercial goods.
Compensation Mechanism Sought for Transporters
KATI also demanded a transparent mechanism to compensate truck and container owners for direct financial losses resulting from prolonged vehicle detention.
Transport vehicles remaining idle for several days can generate losses through missed trips, operating costs and disruption to scheduled cargo movements.
Sheikh Umer Rehan said owners should not bear the entire financial burden when commercial vehicles are prevented from operating because of administrative measures.
Business Community Seeks Economic Continuity
KATI emphasized that Pakistan’s economy needs continuity in business activity despite ongoing political and administrative challenges.
The association said economic stability, higher exports, increased investment and uninterrupted industrial production require coordination among relevant institutions to minimize disruptions affecting businesses.
Sheikh Umer Rehan stressed that the business community is not a party to political disputes but remains a key contributor to the national economy.
He said the government has a responsibility to ensure that political and administrative challenges cause the minimum possible disruption to business continuity, industrial production and exports.
Government Urged to Restore Supply Chains
KATI expressed hope that the government would respond promptly to the concerns raised by the business community.
The association called for immediate steps to restore supply chains, normalize commercial activity, ensure uninterrupted transportation of essential goods and establish compensation arrangements for transporters facing losses.
For industries dependent on reliable logistics, resolving the container detention issue could help limit further disruptions to production, trade and the movement of goods across the country.