LAHORE: A nationwide strike by goods and public transporters has brought Pakistan’s supply chain to a grinding halt, severely impacting the distribution of food items, industrial raw materials, and essential commodities across the country.
With trucks and containers parked idle at terminals in multiple cities, business activities have stalled while citizens struggle with travel disruptions. Market observers warn that the breakdown in logistics could trigger a sharp rise in prices, adding to existing economic pressures.
Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol, President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), expressed grave concern over the situation, emphasizing that the transport sector forms the backbone of Pakistan’s economy. “When goods movement stops, it doesn’t just affect food availability industrial production, exports, and business continuity all suffer significantly,” he stated.
In a joint statement with Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh and Vice President Khurram Lodhi, the LCCI leadership criticized sudden regulatory changes and fines that create uncertainty for businesses. They stressed that proper stakeholder consultation is essential in policy-making, warning that ignoring key players leads to crises like the current one.
The Chamber offered to serve as a mediator between the government and transporters representatives to facilitate dialogue and prevent further economic damage. “The government must urgently address transporters’ legitimate concerns to restore the supply chain and provide public relief,” Saigol emphasized.
The LCCI leadership called for a comprehensive review of the traffic ordinance, insisting all decisions be made in consultation with the transport sector. They warned that continued disruption would delay export shipments, halt factory production lines, and accelerate inflation.
“The government and transport alliance must adopt a joint strategy immediately,” the statement concluded, expressing hope that dialogue would soon restore normalcy to business activities nationwide.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
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