ISLAMABAD: At a time when Pakistan’s exports have recorded negative growth for four consecutive months, a nationwide cargo transporter’s strike has entered its fifth day and exporters fear that this prolonged strike will obstruct the movement of goods to ports for shipment.

The strike, announced for an indefinite period, is in response to the Punjab and Sindh governments’ decision to ban older cargo trucks and trailers from operating in their provinces. The goods transporter’s nationwide strike has severely disrupted the entire supply chains across the country.

Exporters have appealed to the Punjab government for a relaxation in the enforcement of the new transport regulations. However, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz, in a post on her official X account, reaffirmed that the law would be strictly implemented. Following this firm stance, Punjab’s traffic police have reportedly begun arresting drivers operating ageing cargo vehicles.

The standoff between the provincial governments and cargo transporters has escalated into a nationwide logistics crisis. For the past five days, thousands of inbound and outbound consignments have remained stranded across the country, severely disrupting trade and supply chains.

Urge Punjab govt to relax enforcement of new transport........

© Dawn Business