A nationwide goods transporters’ strike is forcing manufacturing units to halt production and threatens to trigger a severe export crisis.
This was warned by Aman Pracha, Vice President of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), who urged the government to intervene immediately to prevent dire economic consequences.
Pracha expressed deep concern over the strike, which has continued for several days, highlighting that the government’s failure to engage has left importers and exporters to bear the heavy financial fallout.
The ongoing industrial action has created a logistical paralysis, with large volumes of imported goods stranded at ports and exporters unable to move their products to docks to fulfill international orders.
According to the FPCCI Vice President, industries are now facing a critical scarcity of raw materials, fuel, and packaging supplies. Consequently, several manufacturing units have been forced to shut down production lines, while many others are operating at minimal capacity.
The situation is particularly dire for perishable goods, with millions of rupees worth of fruits and vegetables at risk of spoiling due to the transport halt. Export-oriented industries are also severely affected by port delays, stranded containers, escalating demurrage costs, and the growing possibility of order cancellations from international buyers.
Pracha cautioned that a prolonged disruption could lead to significant job losses, wage cuts for employees, and cause long-term damage to Pakistan”s industrial reputation and investor confidence.
He stressed that if the crisis is not resolved, the economic losses will continue to mount, placing an unfair burden on businesses, industrial workers, and consumers across the country.
The FPCCI has called on both the federal and provincial governments to urgently enter into serious negotiations with transport unions. Pracha specifically urged authorities to review the contentious provisions of the Motor Vehicle Ordinance 2025 and adopt a balanced approach that ensures road safety without crippling the nation”s industry and commerce.