Goods, oil transporters’ strike threatens industry, exports

KARACHI: A nationwide strike by goods transporters and oil tankers has begun disrupting industrial and export supply chains in Pakistan, with operators threatening to continue the protest until talks with the government conclude on Monday. According to Nisar Hussain Jafry, chairman of the Pakistan Goods Transporters Alliance, the movement of over 400,000 goods-carrying vehicles has been suspended since Saturday.

Transporters are protesting the government's recently introduced daily fuel price mechanism, which they claim creates instability in transportation costs. They are also demanding a return to the monthly fuel price mechanism, a reduction in withholding tax from 7pc to 2pc, and an end to toll plazas established at 30km intervals. Jafry stated that the strike will continue until Monday's meeting with the relevant ministers.

Industrialists have warned that prolonged disruption could halt production, derail production schedules, and jeopardize export commitments, further impacting employment and the economy. The Association of Industry's President, Abdul Rehman Fudda, emphasized that the strike has created an alarming situation for manufacturers, as timely supply of raw materials and delivery of finished goods is crucial for industrial operations.

Fudda called for urgent government intervention and negotiations with the transporters to resolve the dispute, warning that extended disruption could have far-reaching consequences for the nation's industry, exports, jobs, and overall economic activity.