Karachi Chamber vows to approach federal and Sindh governments over soaring diesel prices, excessive traffic fines, poor roads and inadequate port parking.
KARACHI: The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has assured goods transporters of its support in addressing rising operating costs, excessive traffic fines, inadequate port parking and deteriorating roads, warning that these challenges are undermining industrial productivity and business competitiveness.
KCCI President Talat Mahmood gave the assurance during a meeting with representatives of the Local Goods Transporters Alliance (LGTA) and other transport associations. He said the Chamber would raise their legitimate grievances with the federal and Sindh governments and urged transporters to consult KCCI before announcing strikes to avoid disrupting goods movement.
Mahmood called for rationalising traffic fines, improving road infrastructure and establishing dedicated truck and trailer parking facilities near Karachi’s ports using suitable government-owned land.
He also pledged to pursue urgent repairs to the damaged bridge near Ghaghar Phatak on the Port Qasim industrial route.
APOTOA Vice Chairman Khanzada Mehsood highlighted the financial strain on transporters, saying diesel prices had exceeded Rs400 per litre. He added that a pair of tyres previously costing Rs70,000–75,000 now cost approximately Rs180,000, while toll charges had also risen.
Mehsood said the damaged bridge was forcing vehicles to take lengthy diversions, adding an estimated Rs7,000–8,000 per vehicle in transportation costs.
LGTA Chairman Malik Khalid Awan stressed that transporters were essential to supply chains but faced persistent administrative hurdles, congestion and poor road conditions.
Mahmood reiterated that KCCI would coordinate with transport associations and government departments to reduce logistics costs, improve infrastructure and ensure the uninterrupted movement of goods.
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