Pakistan Textile Council Urges PM Sharif to Resolve Transporters’ Strike

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Textile Council (PTC) has formally appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for urgent intervention to resolve the ongoing strike by transporters. The strike is critically impacting national trade logistics and industrial supply networks, notably at Karachi’s major ports.

In its communication to Prime Minister Sharif, the PTC emphasized the worsening consequences of the strike, which has brought cargo operations to a standstill at Karachi Port, Port Qasim, and their associated facilities. This disruption has led to the suspension of more than 10,000 cargo movements daily, causing severe bottlenecks at port locations and interrupting the supply of essential materials alongside export shipments.

The communication highlights claims of unauthorized interference from individuals within the Transporters’ Union, encompassing the intimidation of truck operators, the coerced seizure of entry permits, and acts of property damage targeting vehicles. The PTC contends that this disregard for the law has fostered a climate of uncertainty and undermined constitutionally protected business activities.

Quote from Pakistan Textile Council Chairman

“This situation transcends a mere logistics issue; it constitutes a nationwide trade crisis,” stated Fawad Anwar, Chairman of the Pakistan Textile Council.

“PTC member firms face the imminent risk of defaulting on significant export orders, while containers holding imported goods are marooned at ports. The potential financial and damage to reputation could be devastating unless immediate action is taken.”

The Council, representing approximately 30% of Pakistan’s textile exports through its members, has implored the Prime Minister to instruct provincial administrations, law enforcement bodies, port authorities, and the Ministry of Maritime Affairs to promptly:

  • Restore order and ensure the safety of legitimate transportation activities.
  • Collaborate with industry stakeholders and inter-agency platforms to break the current deadlock.
  • Guarantee the smooth and continuous operation of national logistics and port functions.

The PTC has reaffirmed its commitment to work in close cooperation with governmental bodies to aid in restoring order and safeguarding the uninterrupted flow of Pakistan’s exports, particularly as global competitiveness faces increased challenges.