Karachi, April 17, 2025 – The strike launched by the Goods Transporters Association against the suspension of vehicles under the pretext of fitness inspections continued for a second day on Thursday, bringing port operations in Karachi to a grinding halt.
The complete stoppage has paralyzed activities at the city’s two major ports and container terminals for the past 36 hours, while the government has yet to take concrete steps toward resolving the issue.
Leaders from the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI), including Vice Presidents Asif Sakhi and Aman Paracha, voiced serious concern over the ongoing strike. They stated that thousands of containers are currently stranded at the terminals, causing massive congestion and threatening supply chain continuity across the country.
Tariq Gujar, President of the Goods Transporters Association, confirmed that daily transportation of around 10,000 containers has come to a standstill, bringing both import and export activities to a complete stop. He appealed to the Sindh government to provide a six-month grace period for the repair of heavy vehicles and the mandatory installation of surveillance cameras to ensure compliance with fitness standards.
Asif Sakhi warned that the extended delay is likely to spoil perishable goods stuck in containers. He noted that terminal operators are imposing a daily detention charge of $150 per container, which could add up to millions of dollars in additional costs. These expenses will inevitably be passed on to consumers, leading to higher prices for essential goods in the local market.
Aman Paracha highlighted the broader economic implications, stating that 90% of import and export operations have been suspended. He added that if the congestion continues, ships waiting at anchorage may not be able to dock, severely affecting the country’s trade commitments. Export delays could lead to canceled orders and loss of valuable foreign exchange.
Both FPCCI officials urged the Sindh government to recognize the genuine concerns of the transporters and called for immediate negotiations. They reiterated FPCCI’s willingness to act as a mediator to help facilitate a resolution that would restore the flow of goods and prevent further economic damage.