Pakistan’s transport network faces a major disruption as truckers halt cargo journeys fearing vehicle seizures ahead of a planned march by Imran Khan’s party. The situation has created a logistical backlog in Karachi, where shipping containers remain stuck and demurrage charges climb.
Seized Vehicles Block Roads
Steel shipping containers, packed with sand and welded together, have lined the roads into Islamabad for weeks. Containers are positioned ready for placement at key entry points into Islamabad. Police began stopping vehicles around September 5, weeks before the original date, to stop supporters from entering the capital.
Drivers face a high risk when traveling toward Punjab. Javid ur Rehman, a 35-year-old driver who has halted journeys, described the situation as dangerous. “Right now, going toward Punjab is like committing suicide,” he said. “The police seize the vehicles and snatch the containers, and then we are left distressed.”
Police requisitioned more than 2,000 vehicles in September, many still loaded with cargo. These vehicles are held for days with little or no compensation. Rana Mohammad Aslam, president of the Karachi Goods Carrier association, noted that the measures are creating a pileup of containers at the nation’s main trade gateway.
The disruption affects routes to Islamabad, the military city of Rawalpindi, and the cities of Jhelum, Peshawar, and Attock. Some operators halted journeys beyond Gujranwala in Punjab, while others took alternative routes.
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Financial Pressure Mounts
Transporters are struggling under the weight of financial losses. Daily demurrage charges on one seized container can run into 30,000 to 40,000 rupees. These costs add to losses from missed deliveries and idle trucks, creating a severe cash flow problem for the industry.
International shippers still expect payment regardless of the reason for the delay. Operators are finding it difficult to pay drivers and maintain their fleets. Aslam mentioned that he is holding talks to find a solution, but transporters could stage their own protest if complaints go unanswered.
Prices for consumer goods and transport services have risen sharply. Consumer prices increased 10.26% in September from a year earlier, while the transport price index climbed 27.43%. This inflation makes it harder for operators to absorb the costs of these delays.
For Pervaiz Khan, a 50-year-old father of five, the risk of seizure is too high. His vehicle is loaded with chemicals in Karachi, but he is not going. “We depart from Sindh, and the moment we enter Punjab, that’s when our troubles begin,” he said.
Drivers stranded near Islamabad face lost days of work and income. Sagheer Ahmed, 51, expressed the stakes for his family. “If the roads open, our children’s livelihood will open up,” he said. “If not, we will just keep standing.”
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