KARACHI: Operations for import and export containers at Karachi ports have come to a halt due to an ongoing strike by goods transporters, as per a report on Wednesday.
Thousands of containers are stranded, causing disruptions in trade and financial losses for exporters, while local industries face raw material shortages.
At present, over 16,000 containers are stuck at the South Asia Pakistan Terminal and around 13,000 at the Qasim International Container Terminal.
Ships are leaving ports without loading containers, leading to potential additional demurrage and detention costs for exporters.
Malik Shehzad Awan, President of the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance, stated that the strike will continue until an official notification regarding their demands is issued.
Awan added that although both the federal and Punjab governments are willing to accept the demands, the strike will not be lifted until formal approval is provided.