KARACHI: President Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) Rehan Hanif has expressed grave alarm over the ongoing countrywide strike by goods transporters, warning that the complete suspension of cargo movement is pushing Pakistan toward an unprecedented trade and industrial crisis. He stressed that with import and export consignments now stranded across ports, highways, and industrial zones, the consequences for businesses, manufacturing, and national revenue could be severe, long-lasting, and extremely costly.
In a statement issued, President KCCI stated that the halt in transportation has effectively shut down the movement of raw materials to factories and the dispatch of finished goods to domestic and international markets. He cautioned that this disruption, if prolongs further, can cause irreversible damage to Pakistan’s supply chains, severely undermine export commitments, and weaken the country’s credibility in global markets.
S.I.T.E. Association of Industry (SAI) has have sounded the alarm over the nationwide strike by goods transporters, warning that the halt in cargo movement is rapidly strangling Pakistan’s industrial and trade supply chain.
In a detailed statement, SAI President Ahmed Azeem Alvi said the recurring strikes by transporters are causing deep and lasting damage to the national economy. He urged the government to step in without delay, stressing that no group should be allowed to disrupt the flow of essential goods or undermine economic stability.
Mr Alvi called on the government to immediately revive and expand railway freight services between Karachi and major cities across the country. He said the introduction of high speed cargo trains could dramatically cut transportation time and costs while ensuring a steady and reliable movement of goods.
“The strike has brought export and import cargo to a standstill. Exporters are unable to meet delivery deadlines promised to international buyers, and this raises serious concerns about potential order cancellations,” he cautioned.
He noted that containers stranded at ports are now incurring heavy demurrage and detention charges, placing an additional financial burden on the business community.
Mr Alvi warned that if industries do not receive raw materials soon, production could grind to a complete halt—triggering a ripple effect across the economy.
“This is an extremely alarming situation,” he said. “The government must act immediately to restore cargo movement and prevent long term damage to Pakistan’s industrial and commercial sectors.”