The transporters’ strike at Karachi Port entered its fourth consecutive day on Friday, bringing operations at the country’s largest port to a standstill. The disruption has severely impacted the nationwide movement of import and export cargo between factories and seaports.
According to a report by Business Recorder, the strike was initiated in protest against the Sindh government, stemming from ongoing disputes regarding vehicle fitness regulations.
Transporters, led by the Transporters Goods Association (TGA), have demanded a six-month period to address key issues, including the renewal of fitness certificates, repairs of heavy vehicles, and the installation of surveillance cameras.
Tariq Gujar, President of the TGA, stated that approximately 10,000 containers are transported daily within Karachi and across Pakistan, underscoring the scale of the disruption.
In a letter to the authorities, the TGA requested a six-month grace period to upgrade vehicles, including installing required cameras, releasing impounded vehicles, and halting the deregistration of certain trucks.
Jawed Bilwani, President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), expressed concern over the strike’s potential to further complicate efforts to boost Pakistan’s exports.
Meanwhile, Khurram Ijaz, former Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), noted that cargo movement was only partially affected during the first two days (Tuesday and Wednesday). However, the strike intensified on Thursday when the TGA gained the support of other transport associations, resulting in a complete halt of cargo transportation.
