Highway blockade in Sindh cripples trade, warn industry leaders

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KARACHI: The six -day blockade of the National Highway in Sindh has paralyzed the supply chains and sends a shock view through the national economy in stopping local trade and industrial activity.

Overseas investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) said on Wednesday that the business is facing severe financial losses as the shipment is trapped and the growing backbone of containers turns important trading routes into a virtual dead zone.

More than 3,500 vehicles are currently trapped near the score, many of them carry export goods, destructive goods and essential industrial inputs. The complete obstruction in transportation of goods is already disrupting the market supply, with shortage on the horizon.

This barrier has broken the main links of supply chain. Oxy said the provinces of the provinces face possible closures due to raw materials trapped at Karachi Port, while the exporters are deprived of the deadline for delivery – which has damaged Pakistan’s reputation as a trusted trading partner and is in danger of future agreements.

Unless the blockade is resolved immediately, the blockade can result in the damage to Pakistan’s image as a regional trading center, the blockade can result in mass industrial closure, job losses, and long, expensive recovery.

The OICCI expressed confidence that the concerned authorities in Sindh and the federal government understand the urgency of the matter and will take speedy action to restore the freedom of goods. Uninterrupted trade is essential to support domestic trade, maintain export competitiveness and ensure economic stability.

In addition, Khalid Tawab, regional chairperson of the United Business Group (UBG), has demanded Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif to immediately interfere with the ongoing protests in Sindh and the blockade of the road, disrupting economic activity and threatening the country’s fuel.

Lawyers and political groups led by a week of long demonstrations, stopping the movement of goods, including fuel delivery to Karachi -epicaine areas. Tawab warned that this situation could soon reduce parts of northern Pakistan and Sindh, with hundreds of tanks trapped.

“The situation is getting worse, and if not resolved, it will have a serious impact on our exports and imports,” Tawab said in a statement. “We urge the Prime Minister to facilitate the movement of tanks and cargo during the ongoing blockade.”

Industry sources estimate that more than 800 fuel tankers are currently trapped due to unrest. The Tawab also appealed to the Sindh government to activate local authorities and ensure a safe passage for fuel transport across the province.

In a separate statement released on Wednesday, the chief of the United Business Group (UBG) SM Tanveer said that the blockade of the National Highway is seriously hindering Pakistan’s export capabilities.

Tanveer expressed deep concern over the obstacle, highlighting recent statistics, which shows that the nation’s exports have decreased by 12 % in the last quarter, which is partially attributed to logistics barriers.

The UBG leader noted the growing anxiety in the business community about the ongoing situation and lack of clear resolution. “The current blockade is not only affecting our export goals but also damaging the country’s reputation as a trusted trading partner,” Tanveer said. He emphasized the urgent need for uninterrupted movement of export goods to meet the goals established. He emphasized that “we cannot afford to lose more time and opportunities. The government needs to take immediate action to resolve the issue.”

Tanveer called on the Sindh government to engage in dialogue with the protesting parties and persuade them to remove their demonstrations from the main highway to ensure the smooth flow of export of transport. “We need to find a solution that balances the rights of the protesters with the needs of the economy,” he said.