Transporters leader announces suspension of operations at Karachi Ports

KARACHI: Local goods transporters have suspended operations at all three of Karachi’s ports in protest against the traffic police’s move to block heavy vehicles under the pretext of fitness checks. All loading trucks have been parked at the ports.

According to details, heavy transporters have ceased collecting goods from Karachi’s ports in response to the crackdown. Vehicles have been parked at warehouses and truck terminals.

They said that operations at Karachi International Container Terminal (KICT), South Asia Pakistan Terminal (SAPT), and Karachi Gateway Terminal Limited (KGTL) have been completely halted. They added that operations at Port Qasim would also be suspended.

Each day, approximately 7,000 heavy vehicles move in and out of KICT, SAPT and KGTL, while around 3,000 vehicles operate through Port Qasim. Due to the suspension, the transportation of import and export consignments has come to a standstill, with goods worth millions of rupees lying at the ports. Export cargo from warehouses has also been unable to reach the ports.

President of the Goods Transporters Association Tariq Gujar said that vehicles would remain off the roads until negotiations with the government succeed and firm assurances are provided.

He noted that installing trackers, cameras and other equipment costs between Rs200,000 and Rs300,000 per vehicle. Transporters are willing to comply with all the requirements issued by the Sindh government but want a mutually agreed timeline for implementation.

Chairperson of the association Imdad Naqvi said that the traffic police had so far seized around 300 vehicles. Transporters are seeking time to comply with fitness regulations and have also called for an end to irregularities.