KARACHI: In a welcome relief for the business sector, goods transporters ended their nationwide strike on Saturday after successful talks with authorities in Karachi.
The strike had entered its fourth day on Friday, bringing the country’s transport and logistics system to a standstill. It disrupted trade, blocked supply chains, and added pressure on Pakistan’s already weak economy.
The protest began after the Sindh government enforced new vehicle fitness rules to improve road safety. The decision came following a sharp rise in road accidents in Karachi, especially those involving dumpers and water tankers.
Due to the strike, thousands of containers were stuck at ports and warehouses, worrying importers and exporters. With the strike now over, normal trade and transport activities are expected to resume across the country.
On Saturday, they had talks successful talks with Karachi commissioner, leading to their announcement to call of the strike.
During the talks, it was agreed that transporters will gradually ensure the fitness of their vehicles, with all vehicles to be fully compliant within the next six months – a demand the TGA had made.
Following the end of the strike, commercial activities at Karachi’s ports resumed on Saturday, removing obstacles in the import and export process.
