KARACHI: President Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) Talat Mahmood has assured representatives of the transport sector that the Chamber will vigorously take up their legitimate grievances with the federal and Sindh governments.
Addressing a meeting with a delegation of the Local Goods Transporters Alliance (LGTA) and other transport associations at KCCI, he emphasised that the Chamber would stand firmly with transporters wherever they faced injustice and pursue practical solutions through dialogue.
He advised transporters to consult KCCI before announcing strikes so that the Chamber could engage the relevant authorities, facilitate negotiations and seek resolution without disrupting the movement of goods.
Highlighting the impact of rising diesel prices and freight charges, President KCCI noted that escalating fuel and transportation costs were placing an additional burden on industries already struggling with high operating expenses. He warned that continued cost escalation could force businesses to curtail production or shut down, undermining Pakistan’s regional competitiveness.
He also stressed the urgent need for designated truck and trailer parking near Karachi’s ports, proposing that suitable government-owned land be developed as a dedicated parking facility against reasonable charges to reduce congestion and facilitate smoother goods movement.
On Karachi’s deteriorating infrastructure, Talat Mahmood said damaged roads, potholes, incomplete utility works and inadequate traffic management were increasing vehicle maintenance expenses, causing delays and endangering road users.
He assured the delegation that KCCI would press the relevant authorities for road repairs, improved infrastructure and urgent restoration of the damaged bridge near Ghaghar Phatak on the Port Qasim industrial route.
Speaking on the occasion, Chairman LGTA Malik Khalid Awan expressed confidence that the transport sector’s representation in the Chamber’s elected team through LGTA Vice President Muhammad Usman would strengthen coordination and ensure more effective follow-up of industry grievances.
Vice Chairman All Pakistan Oil Tankers Owners Association (APOTOA) Khanzada Mehsood called for immediate government relief from soaring diesel prices, excessive traffic penalties and escalating operating costs