Highway protests leave 250 potato export containers stranded at Sindh’s entry point

KARACHI: Just as the goods transporters’ strike -- that disrupted the national supply chain -- came to an end, another major setback has hit the country’s export sector. Around 250 containers of potatoes bound for export markets are now stranded at Sindh’s entry points due to ongoing sit-in protests blocking major highways.

The sit-ins are being organised on Sindh’s highways against the approval of six controversial canals across the Indus River -- a move which is seen as a threat to the province’s water resources.

These containers, primarily destined for the Middle East and Far East, are unable to reach the port due to road closures. Exporters warn that the delay could severely damage the perishable goods, especially since potatoes require constant temperature control, maintained through generators.

“If the containers do not reach the port on time, there is a real threat of the entire consignment being spoiled,” said Waheed Ahmed, patron-in-chief of the Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association, adding that the situation could lead to a potential financial loss of $1.5 million. Ahmed stressed that the damage will not be limited to exporters. “If the export orders are cancelled, it’s not just exporters who will suffer -- farmers across the country will bear the brunt too.”

Exporters are urging the Sindh government to step in immediately and ensure that containers carrying export-bound goods are safely and swiftly transported to the ports, before the damage becomes irreversible.