The strike of truck drivers involved in the transportation of goods in Pakistan's Punjab province has reached its sixth day. Due to this strike, business in entire Punjab and other parts of Pakistan has been badly affected. Traders and transporters are angry with the Punjab government. They have warned that if the strike is not ended soon, it will cause huge damage to the economy and international trade.
Pakistan Textile Exporters Association General Secretary Azizullah Goheer said that the raw material imported from abroad has been stuck at Karachi Port for about a week. At the same time, finished goods to be sent to foreign customers are also lying in factories. He said that the ships through which the export was to take place have left. This is causing loss of billions of rupees and Pakistan Its international reputation is also being affected.
Traders and transporters held a press conference together and said that business has come to a standstill due to the government's strict action. They allege that after the changes in the Motor Vehicle Ordinance, the authorities have got the power to impose heavy fines and register FIRs, due to which the transporters are under fear and pressure.
All Pakistan Anjuman Tajiran Pakistan General Secretary Naeem Mir said that business is at a standstill in Lahore and entire Punjab. Besides, due to closure of freight transportation, trade in Sindh and other provinces has also been affected. No goods are being transported from the wholesale markets of Lahore to other cities. He appealed to the Chief Minister of Punjab to listen to the traders.
Meanwhile, after talks with Lahore Police, two small organizations of transporters have announced to end the strike. Mazda Goods Transport Association and Punjab Goods Transport Alliance said that after the assurance of Lahore Police DIG, they are calling off the strike and will talk to the government.
But big national level transport organizations do not agree with this. All Pakistan Truck Trailer Owners Association chief Lala Yasir Naseer said that this strike is not just happening in Punjab but in the entire country. According to him, some organizations cannot end it. He clearly said that the strike will continue until the disputed laws are stopped.
Transporters of Goods Association Chairman Tariq Gujjar said that due to the action in Punjab, many trucks and trailers have been seized. Besides, the Sindh government is also taking strict action against old trucks. The effect of this has been that all three ports of Karachi are almost closed. He also demanded proper parking facility for transporters at Karachi Port.
Trade organizations say that if the government does not find a solution soon, the supply chain will break, industries will suffer huge losses and it will have a serious impact on Pakistan's economy.
