Transport Strike Cripples Pakistani Exports, UNISAME Urges Government Intervention

The Union of Small and Medium Enterprises (UNISAME) has urgently appealed to Haroon Akhtar, Special Assistant to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, to intervene in the ongoing transport crisis. They have called for immediate negotiations with transporter associations to address their legitimate grievances, which include removing impediments, ending harassment and high-handedness, lowering exorbitant charges, and streamlining licensing and other procedures.

SME exporters are facing severe hardships and incurring heavy losses, stating they cannot survive a prolonged transport closure.

UNISAME President Zulfikar Thaver emphasized that SME exporters are the worst affected, as the strike has completely paralyzed exports. This has led to expired contracts, financial blockages, significant losses, and reputational damage due to non-performance. These exporters are already reeling from losses following the shutdown of trade with Afghanistan and onward to Central Asian countries, as well as a sharp decline in exports to Russia due to the Ukraine war.

Hussain Ratnani, Convener of Logistics and a leading shipping agent, requested the SAPM to convene an emergency meeting involving SME exporters of fruits, rice, commodities, and textiles, along with transporter associations. He also urged the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) to participate to help resolve the matter fairly and amicably.

Ratnani cited shortcomings on the part of government officers, traffic police, and police, whose behavior toward drivers is often rough and rude. He acknowledged that transporters are also at fault and need to correct their outlook of neglecting and disrespecting regulations.

He stressed the extreme urgency of a resolution, noting that this is the peak season for Kinnow exports—a perishable item that earns considerable foreign exchange. Ratnani criticized the transporters for choosing this crucial time to strike, calling it an act of blackmail, pressure, and  unbusiness like conduct.

The entire economy is suffering, as transport and logistics are its backbone. Each day of disruption is critical, leaving importers, exporters, traders, and merchants in turmoil. Furthermore, drivers and daily wage laborers, who depend on daily earnings for survival, are in desperate need of immediate relief from this debilitating protest and strike.