A prolonged cargo transporters’ strike has raised fears of an economic standstill in Karachi and across Sindh, with business bodies warning that industrial production, port operations and supply chains are being severely hit. The nine day old protest has already disrupted supplies of edible oil and ghee, while raw materials for factories remain stranded.
The strike began after the enforcement of the Motor Vehicle Ordinance 2025 on December 8, which introduced higher fines, stricter penalties, vehicle impoundment and FIRs against drivers and operators. Transport unions say the law was imposed without consultation and has made daily operations financially unsustainable.
In a letter to the Sindh chief minister, Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) Secretary General Abdul Aleem warned that the situation poses a serious threat to industry and commerce. He said trucks from Punjab are still unable to enter Karachi, while inbound and outbound port operations remain restricted, putting several manufacturing units at risk of shutdown.
“At least one member has already shut down production lines, and others may follow within days as essential inputs fail to arrive,” an OICCI representative said.
The Pakistan Vanaspati Manufacturers Association (PVMA) said supplies of edible oil and ghee have been disrupted, while transport of industrial raw materials has largely come to a halt. The association warned that continued delays could stop production and cause heavy financial losses, with imported consignments stuck at ports and businesses facing demurrage and detention charges.
Pakistan Association of Large Steel Producers General Secretary Wajid Bukhari said the strike has badly affected industrial output and supply chains, cautioning that prolonged disruption could lead to layoffs, wage losses and long-term damage to industrial credibility.
Transport bodies, including the All Pakistan Transport Federation, have announced a nationwide wheel-jam strike on December 19 if disputed provisions of the ordinance are not revised, raising concerns of further disruption to goods and passenger transport.