The nationwide strike by Goods Transporters entered its seventh consecutive day on Friday. Transport representatives said negotiations with federal and Sindh government officials are expected to continue.
All Pakistan Goods Transporters Ittehad President Malik Shehzad Awan shared details about the situation in a video message.
He said another round of talks would be held with Federal Minister for Shipping Junaid Anwar Chaudhry. Representatives are also expected to hold further discussions with the Sindh government.
Talks Held With Sindh Chief Minister
Awan said he held a detailed meeting with Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah in Karachi.
According to Awan, the chief minister directed relevant ministers to address the transporters’ demands. However, the strike has not yet been called off.
Awan said the peaceful protest would continue until the authorities formally accept their demands. He indicated that verbal assurances from federal or provincial authorities would not be enough to end the protest.
The Goods Transporters are seeking an official notification confirming the acceptance of their demands. Awan said the strike would continue until such a notification is issued.
Concerns Grow Over Supply of Essential Goods
The continuing strike has also raised concerns among representatives of the business community. Korangi Association of Trade and Industry President Muhammad Ikram Rajput warned about possible supply disruptions.
He said a prolonged strike could affect the movement of food and other essential items across the country. This could eventually create shortages in markets if transportation remains disrupted for an extended period.
The strike may also affect industrial production and other commercial activities. Businesses rely heavily on road transport to move raw materials and finished products across Pakistan.
Government Urged to Resolve Transporters’ Concerns
Rajput urged the government to make the ongoing negotiations productive.
He called for the concerns of all parties to be addressed through talks. A resolution could help restore the movement of essential goods and support normal business operations.
It could also help industries resume regular supply chains and reduce disruptions to export activities. The Goods Transporters have maintained that their strike will continue until their demands receive formal approval.
Negotiations between transport representatives and government officials therefore remain important for ending the current deadlock.
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Further progress will depend on the outcome of the latest talks and whether authorities issue an official notification.
