KARACHI: Aslam Pakhali, chairman of the All Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters, Importers and Merchants Association (PFVA) has said that over a 100 shipping containers carrying mangoes and potatoes worth an estimated Rs250 million were stuck in traffic since Monday evening.
The vehicles were en route to KPT but have been stranded near the Mauripur road due to the protests.
“These fruits and vegetables are of perishable nature, especially given the high temperature in the city,” Pakhali said.
Moreover, Acting President Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) Acting President Shabbir Mansha Churra has urged the Sindh government to immediately complete negotiations with the protesters, warning that delays will lead to huge losses for exporters.
Earlier, Karachi police used tear gas and baton-charged protesting residents of Lyari near the Mauripur road, who took to the streets against K-Electric for carrying out unannounced and prolonged power loadshedding and frequent breakdowns.
The demonstrators, who have been protesting since last night, burnt tyres and blocked the road for traffic — which links the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and SITE industrial areas.
However, at 11am today, the police baton-charged the protesters after they refused to vacate the main road. Footage showed police commandos firing tear gas at the demonstrators who were chanting slogans against the power utility management and demanding restoration of supply. Web Desk
