KARACHI: President of the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI), Muhammad Rehan Hanif, expressed significant concern over the ongoing nationwide strike by goods transporters and oil tankers, warning that the continuation of this halt in cargo movement could severely impact industrial production, supply chains, exports, and overall economic activity in the country.

According to Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Hanif urged both the Federal and Provincial Governments to engage with the transport sector representatives immediately to address their grievances and find a resolution through negotiations without delay. He emphasized the critical role of the transport sector in maintaining the nation's supply chain, connecting ports, industries, markets, and consumers. Hanif noted that any prolonged disruption could have a cascading effect, impacting industrial production, raw material availability, product deliveries, fuel supplies, domestic commerce, and export shipments.

Reflecting on a similar situation a few months ago, Hanif recalled the substantial losses incurred by the national economy, particularly in the export sector, due to transport disruptions. He warned that export-oriented industries could not afford another disruption at a time when Pakistan is facing multiple economic and operational challenges. Hanif urged that the transporters' concerns should be addressed through dialogue to prevent a prolonged confrontation, appealing to the transport community to consider the broader national interest and end the strike.

Hanif emphasized that while the right to raise legitimate demands is recognized, a prolonged halt could ultimately harm the entire economy, including the transport sector itself. He called for both sides to return to negotiations and adopt a solution-oriented approach, offering KCCI's mediation to facilitate a sustainable resolution.