Port Operations Suspended Amid Ongoing Goods Transport Strike

The nationwide goods transporters’ strike remains in force, with all port loading and unloading operations suspended, as transporters await a formal government notification on their demands. Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance President Malik Shehzad Awan said the strike will continue despite positive signals from both federal and Punjab authorities.

Speaking in Karachi, Malik Shehzad Awan said container terminals at Karachi Port and Port Qasim are already operating at nearly 80 percent capacity. He warned that if the disruption continues, terminals could soon run out of space to handle additional containers, worsening congestion at the ports and delaying cargo movement.

Awan said negotiations with a government committee are scheduled for today at noon. He added that the alliance has already held talks with negotiation teams representing both the federal and Punjab governments, noting that both sides have shown willingness to accept the transporters’ demands.

Goods transporters have raised concerns over amendments to the Motor Vehicle Ordinance 1965, which they say have introduced stricter regulations for heavy transport vehicles. The alliance has also complained that drivers are being detained in different parts of Punjab, adding to tensions between transporters and authorities.

Despite ongoing talks, Awan stressed that the strike will not be called off until an official notification is issued, leaving supply chains under pressure as port congestion continues to build.