KCCI President Urges PM to Resolve Transporters’ Strike

Muhammad Jawed Bilwani, the President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), has urgently appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, requesting his prompt and effective involvement to resolve the ongoing nationwide transporters’ strike.

Bilwani stated that the strike, which has now entered its fourth day, has effectively halted Pakistan’s logistics and transportation networks, disrupting commercial activities and inflicting substantial harm on the country’s already vulnerable economy.

In a letter dispatched to the Prime Minister this Friday, Bilwani voiced profound apprehension regarding the nationwide standstill in cargo transit. He noted that export shipments are currently held up at production facilities and storage sites, while import containers remain stranded at port facilities under the responsibility of terminal operators and international shipping companies.

“This disruption is causing significant financial losses for the business sector and triggering a ripple effect on industrial output and overall economic stability,” he stated.

He underscored that delays in export deliveries could lead to missed deadlines, order cancellations, and the potential loss of international customers. “This not only damages Pakistan’s standing as a dependable trade partner but also endangers future export opportunities at a crucial time when every dollar earned is vital for our economy,” Bilwani commented.

“Regarding imports, the inability to move containers is impeding supply chains, delaying manufacturing processes, and plunging industries into operational disarray.”

Bilwani also drew attention to the increasing burden of demurrage and detention fees imposed by port authorities and international shipping lines.

“These unfair charges, which are calculated in US dollars, are exacerbating the financial challenges faced by businesses,” he pointed out.

“The transfer of these payments overseas is further depleting our limited foreign exchange reserves, thereby worsening our balance of payments crisis.”

Addressing the consequences for perishable exports, Bilwani cautioned about an impending crisis.

“Pakistan’s fruits and vegetables, which are a crucial component of our agro-based exports, depend on refrigerated containers and timely transportation,” he explained.

“Due to the existing disruption, fresh produce is deteriorating, shipments are being rejected internationally, and exporters are suffering considerable losses. This crisis not only threatens the agricultural sector but also harms our long-term reputation in global markets.”

Bilwani expressed deep disappointment regarding the perceived lack of governmental action.

“It is highly concerning that, despite the magnitude of this crisis, there seems to be a lack of serious effort from both the federal and provincial governments to address the issue,” he remarked.

“The absence of coordination and leadership is pushing already struggling businesses toward potential collapse, widespread layoffs, and lasting damage to the formal economy.”

He urged the Prime Minister to promptly convene all relevant parties for discussions. “We urgently need a mediated resolution to the strike, relief from unjustified demurrage and detention fees, and the immediate clearance of the backlog of shipments,” Bilwani pleaded.

“Numerous exporters are now being compelled to switch to air freight, which is substantially more expensive and adds to the financial burden on already distressed businesses.”

In conclusion, Bilwani emphasized the significance of a rapid and synchronized governmental response.

“The business community is relying on the Prime Minister’s leadership to resolve this deadlock,” he concluded.

“Only decisive intervention at the highest levels can restore stability, protect Pakistan’s trade and industry, and shield the national economy from further decline.”