KARACHI: President Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) Muhammad Rehan Hanif, while expressing grave concern over the ongoing nationwide strike by goods transporters and oil tankers, warned that continued suspension of cargo movement could cause serious disruption to industrial production, supply chains, exports and overall economic activity.
In a statement issued on Monday, Rehan Hanif urged the Federal Government as well as all Provincial Governments to immediately engage the representatives of the transport sector at the highest level, listen to their genuine and legitimate grievances and resolve the outstanding issues through meaningful negotiations without any further delay.
“The situation requires immediate intervention. I strongly urge the Federal Government and all Provincial Governments to immediately contact and engage the representatives of the transport sector and address their legitimate issues so that this strike can be brought to an end without further damage to the national economy”, he said.
President KCCI pointed out that the transport sector is the backbone of Pakistan’s entire supply chain, connecting ports, industries, markets and consumers. Any prolonged disruption in the movement of goods and petroleum products can have a cascading impact on industrial production, availability of raw materials, delivery of finished products, fuel supplies, domestic commerce and export shipments.
He recalled that a similar situation had emerged a few months ago, causing substantial losses to the national economy, particularly to the export sector, as exporters faced difficulties in meeting their commitments and ensuring timely shipment of consignments. He cautioned that Pakistan’s export-oriented industries cannot afford another disruption at a time when the country is already facing multiple economic and operational challenges.
He stressed that the transporters’ concerns should not be ignored and that genuine grievances must be addressed through dialogue rather than allowing the dispute to escalate into a prolonged confrontation. At the same time, he appealed to the transport community to demonstrate flexibility and consider the wider national interest.
“I also appeal to my brothers in the transport sector to please consider the enormous damage being caused to the country by this strike. I request them to show a big heart and, in the larger interest of Pakistan and its people, call off the strike. I am confident that the government will engage with them and that their legitimate demands can be discussed and resolved through negotiations”, he said.
President KCCI emphasized that the right to raise legitimate demands is fully acknowledged, but a prolonged wheel-jam at a time when industries, exporters and businesses are already under pressure can ultimately hurt the entire economy, including the transport sector itself.
He therefore urged both sides to immediately return to the negotiating table and adopt a solution-oriented approach.
Rehan Hanif further announced that the Karachi Chamber is ready to play the role of a mediator and facilitator between the government and the transport sector to help find an amicable and sustainable resolution.
