KARACHI: The ongoing strike by goods transporters has brought import and export container operations at Karachi’s ports to a complete halt, severely disrupting trade activities. Thousands of containers are currently stranded, creating major logistical challenges for exporters and local industries.
At Port Qasim and Karachi Port, the suspension of handling operations has caused significant financial losses for exporters due to the unavailability of transporters and containers. Local industries are also facing production delays as critical raw materials remain stuck at port terminals. Many ships have been forced to depart without loading containers, which is likely to result in additional demurrage and detention charges for exporters.
Currently, over 16,000 containers are held at the South Asia Pakistan Terminal, while around 13,000 containers are stalled at the Qasim International Container Terminal. The President of the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance, Malik Shehzad Awan, confirmed that the strike will continue until a formal notification addressing their demands is issued.
Awan stated that all loading and unloading activities at the country’s ports will remain suspended and emphasized that while both the federal and Punjab governments have shown willingness to meet the transporters’ demands, the strike will not be called off until an official notification is received. The prolonged disruption has put immense pressure on exporters, importers, and the broader supply chain, highlighting the urgent need for resolution.
