Strike may create shortage of essential items: KATI
KARACHI: Korangi Association of Trade and Industry (KATI) President Muhammad Ikram Rajput has expressed fear that if the transporters strike continues further, there may be a fear of shortage in the market due to the disruption in the supply of food and other essential items within the country.
He said that the government must make the negotiation process fruitful and remove the concerns of all parties to end the goods transporters’ strike so that the delivery of essential goods, industrial production, business activities and export processes in the country can be normalized.
The KATI president also stressed that a comprehensive and workable mechanism should be formed between the government and the transporters through which such disputes in the future can be resolved through negotiations before they turn into a long strike
He expressed deep concern over the continuation of the strike of All Pakistan Goods Transporters for the sixth day and urged the government and transporters to find a viable and lasting solution to the problem through immediate negotiations in the larger economic interest of the country.
He said that due to the continuous strike of goods transporters, the delivery system of raw materials, finished products, industrial goods, essential goods and other commercial goods is being badly affected across the country, as a result of which industrial and commercial activities are facing serious difficulties.
The disruption of supply chain continuity due to non-timely delivery of goods to different parts of the country is a worrying situation for the country’s economy. He further said that timely supply of raw materials and essential goods is of utmost importance for industrial units. Due to the halt in transport, there is a possibility of production activities in factories being affected, production in some industries being limited and ultimately a decline in industrial production.
This situation will not only result in financial losses to industries but may also have negative impacts on the country’s economy and employment.
The President of KATI said that punctuality is of utmost importance for the export industry.
Due to the strike of goods transporters, there is a possibility that export goods will not reach the ports on time and export orders will not be completed on time due to delays in delivery of consignments, which may lead to financial losses for Pakistani exporters, loss of confidence of foreign buyers and impact on future export orders.
He said that Pakistan is already facing economic challenges, high business costs and fierce competition in the global market. In such a situation, disruption in the supply chain within the country will create further difficulties for industry and trade.
Muhammad Ikram Rajput said that the differences between the government and transporters should be resolved through mutual consultation and negotiations.
The government should seriously consider the legitimate demands of the transporters, while the All Pakistan Goods Transporters should also play its role in making the negotiation process successful, keeping in view the country’s economy, industry and public interest.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026