Urgent govt action demanded: Transporters’ strike threatens industrial output: OICCI

ISLAMABAD: The Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI), representing Pakistan’s largest group of foreign investors, has warned that the ongoing nationwide cargo transporters’ strike is severely disrupting industrial operations and may force several factories to halt production.

In a letter addressed to Minister of Commerce Jam Kamal Khan, OICCI CE/Secretary General M. Abdul Aleem said the strike — now in its fifth day — is “seriously impacting the operation of major manufacturers and exporters,” many of whom rely on uninterrupted cargo movement for raw material supply and shipment of finished goods.

According to the OICCI, members across multiple sectors have raised alarms over mounting operational losses as transporters remain off the road in protest against new regulatory requirements introduced by provincial authorities in Punjab and Sindh. These conditions, the Chamber noted, have triggered widespread refusal by transporters to provide services, disrupting supply chains nationwide.

The OICCI cautioned that if the situation persists, “certain cases may lead to factory closure,” creating a potentially significant blow to domestic production, export commitments, and government revenue. The Chamber also warned of reputational risk, stating that prolonged disruption in logistics could “send a negative message to the international community on business continuity in Pakistan.”

Urging urgent action, the OICCI called on the Commerce Minister to intervene at the earliest to facilitate an amicable resolution between provincial authorities and transporter groups, stressing that swift steps are essential to avoid a deeper economic challenges.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2025