President of the Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI), Muhammad Ikram Rajput, has expressed deep concern over the ongoing strike by the All Pakistan Goods Transporters, which has entered its sixth consecutive day. He called on both the government and transporters to urgently engage in negotiations to reach a practical and lasting solution in the broader interest of the national economy.
Rajput warned that the prolonged strike has severely disrupted the supply of raw materials, finished goods, industrial equipment, essential commodities, and other trade items across the country. This disruption, he noted, is creating serious challenges for industrial and commercial activities. He cautioned that if the strike continues, shortages of food and essential goods could emerge in local markets, leading to price hikes that would directly burden the public.
Highlighting the impact on industry, Rajput stressed that timely delivery of raw materials and supplies is critical for production units. With transport operations halted, factories face reduced output and potential production shutdowns, resulting in financial losses, decreased industrial productivity, and negative effects on employment and the overall economy.
He further emphasized the risks to Pakistan’s export sector, where strict adherence to delivery schedules is vital. Delays in transporting export consignments to ports could cause missed deadlines, financial losses, and erode the confidence of foreign buyers, ultimately affecting future export orders.
“Pakistan is already grappling with economic challenges, high business costs, and intense global competition. Any disruption in the domestic supply chain will only worsen the situation for industry and trade,” Rajput said. He urged all stakeholders to act responsibly and prioritize national economic interests.
Calling for immediate high-level negotiations, Rajput appealed to the government to seriously consider the legitimate demands of transporters, while urging transporters to keep in mind the interests of the economy, industry, and the public. He stressed the need for a comprehensive mechanism to resolve disputes through dialogue before they escalate into prolonged strikes.
“The wheels of industry, transport, and the economy are interconnected. A prolonged disruption in one sector impacts the entire economic system. Ending this strike without delay is the need of the hour,” Rajput concluded, reiterating his appeal for constructive negotiations to restore normalcy in supply chains, industrial production, trade, and exports.
