The strike by the Goods Transporters Association against the suspension of vehicles under the guise of fitness inspections continued on Thursday, resulting in a partial halt to operations at Pakistani ports. Activities at Karachi’s two ports and private container terminals have remained suspended for the past 36 hours, with no progress from the government in resolving the protest. Vice Presidents of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), Asif Sakhi and Aman Paracha, in a media statement expressed deep concern over the ongoing strike, stating that thousands of containers are stuck and cannot be moved due to the transporters’ protest, resulting in massive congestion at the terminals.

The President of the Goods Transporters Association, Tariq Gujar, stated that import and export operations have reached a standstill due to the non-movement of heavy goods from the ports. Daily, around 10,000 containers are transported within Karachi and across the country. He urged the Sindh government to grant a six-month grace period for the repair of heavy vehicles and the installation of cameras.

FPCCI Vice President Asif Sakhi noted that thousands of containers at the ports risk spoilage of goods inside. Moreover, with containers not being lifted from terminals, a daily detention charge of $150 per container is incurred. The accumulation of containers could result in millions of dollars in detention fees. He added that thousands of containers, including food items, are currently stuck at the ports. Due to the lack of space at the ports, ships waiting at anchorage may be unable to dock, which will disrupt import and export orders.

He stressed the urgent need for government intervention to grant transporters sufficient time to comply with vehicle fitness requirements. He assured that FPCCI is ready to mediate between the government and transporters to find a solution.