Goods transporters end strike after reaching deal with Karachi commissioner

KARACHI: Goods transporters in Karachi called off their strike on Saturday following successful negotiations between Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi and representatives of the transporters.

The commissioner agreed to grant a six-month extension for transporters to ensure the fitness of their vehicles.

Several goods transport associations had launched the strike in protest against ongoing disagreements with the Sindh government over vehicle fitness regulations, parking arrangements at port premises and truck terminals.

The strike had paralysed activity at the city’s two main ports and container terminals, raising concerns that perishable goods in containers could spoil and imported consignments might incur demurrage charges in US dollars.

However, following successful talks with the commissioner, the transporters officially announced an end to their strike. It was agreed that transporters would gradually ensure the fitness of their vehicles, with all vehicles expected to fully comply with regulations within six months.

Chairperson of the Car Carrier Goods Transporters Association Imdad Naqvi told The News that the strike had been called off.

Following the announcement, commercial activity resumed at Karachi’s ports, clearing bottlenecks in the import and export processes.