KARACHI: Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) President Muhammad Rehan Hanif has urged the federal and provincial governments to immediately intervene to end the ongoing nationwide strike by goods transporters and oil tankers, warning that a prolonged disruption could affect industrial production, exports, fuel supplies and national supply chains.
In a statement issued Monday, Rehan Hanif called for urgent negotiations with representatives of the transport sector, saying their legitimate grievances should be addressed through dialogue before the situation causes further damage to economic activity.
KCCI Warns of Supply Chain Disruptions
Rehan Hanif described the transport sector as a key component of Pakistan’s supply chain, connecting ports, industries, markets and consumers.
He warned that a continued suspension of goods and petroleum transportation could affect the availability of raw materials, delivery of finished products, fuel supplies, domestic trade and export shipments.
The KCCI president recalled that a similar disruption several months ago had caused significant losses to the economy, particularly the export sector, with exporters facing difficulties in meeting commitments and shipping consignments on time.
He said export-oriented industries could not afford another prolonged disruption while businesses were already dealing with multiple economic and operational challenges.
KCCI Offers to Mediate
Rehan Hanif said the transporters’ concerns should be addressed through negotiations rather than allowing the dispute to escalate.
He also appealed to transporters to consider the broader economic impact of the strike and called on them to show flexibility while negotiations take place.
“I also appeal to my brothers in the transport sector to please consider the enormous damage being caused to the country by this strike,” he said, adding that legitimate demands could be discussed and resolved through negotiations.
The KCCI president acknowledged the right of transporters to raise legitimate demands but cautioned that a prolonged wheel-jam could ultimately affect industries, exporters, businesses and the transport sector itself.
He urged both sides to return to the negotiating table and adopt a solution-oriented approach.
Rehan Hanif further announced that KCCI was prepared to act as a mediator and facilitator between the government and transport representatives to help reach an amicable and sustainable settlement.
“Our objective is simple: the economy must continue moving, industries must continue operating, exports must continue, and the legitimate concerns of the transport sector must also be addressed,” he said.
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