In a significant relief for the country’s business sector, goods transporters on Saturday ended their nationwide strike after reaching an agreement with authorities in Karachi.
The strike, which had entered its fourth day on Friday, had brought the country’s logistics and transportation system to a standstill. The resulting disruption severely affected trade activities, halted supply chains, and dealt another blow to the already struggling economy.
The protest was sparked by the Sindh government’s sudden implementation of stricter vehicle fitness regulations, introduced in response to a spike in road accidents in Karachi—many involving dumpers and water tankers. The enforcement left thousands of containers stuck at ports and warehouses, raising alarms among exporters and importers.
Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi told Dawn.com that the transporters’ association has pledged full cooperation with the provincial government and the administration to ensure that heavy vehicles meet safety standards. He noted that transporters would submit weekly progress reports to the deputy inspector general of traffic police.
“They have committed to not using any unfit vehicles,” a statement from the commissioner’s office said. It also stated that all impounded heavy vehicles—except those in extremely poor condition—would be released immediately. Vehicles in unusable condition would only be released after owners submit affidavits promising not to operate them without clearance from the motor vehicle inspection department.
Transport Goods Association (TGA) President Tariq Gujjar said the authorities acknowledged their demands as valid and provided a six-month timeframe to implement various measures aimed at reducing accidents, including vehicle fitness compliance.
He added that the commissioner informed them of an increase in the number of motor vehicle inspectors to 25, with plans to hire 25 more to address the backlog in issuing fitness certificates.
According to Gujjar, these inspectors will visit transporter offices to issue computerized fitness certificates. The TGA also proposed relocating thousands of warehouses from densely populated areas like Saddar and Tariq Road to the outskirts of Karachi as part of long-term safety reforms.
Additionally, the association suggested dedicating specific roads for heavy vehicles in industrial zones and setting aside lanes for motorcycles to help prevent accidents.
Gujjar said the association also met with Sindh Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani, who assured them that Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah was fully aware of the seriousness of the issue.
He further noted that trader groups had reached out to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, seeking intervention following the sudden enforcement of the provincial regulations affecting goods transport.
