Highway blockade in Sindh cripples trade, warn industry leaders

KARACHI: The six-day blockade of the National Highway in Sindh has brought local trade and industrial activity to a standstill, paralysing supply chains and sending shockwaves through the national economy.

Businesses are suffering severe financial losses as shipments remain stranded and a growing backlog of containers turns vital trade routes into virtual dead zones, the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce and Industry (OICCI) said on Wednesday.

More than 3,500 vehicles are currently stranded near Sukkur, many of them carrying export consignments, perishable goods and essential industrial inputs. The complete halt in goods transportation is already disrupting market supplies, with shortages on the horizon.

This disruption has fractured critical supply chain linkages. Industries across provinces face potential shutdowns due to raw materials stuck at Karachi Port, while exporters are missing delivery deadlines -- undermining Pakistan’s credibility as a reliable trading partner and putting future contracts at risk, the OICCI said.

Unless resolved immediately, the blockade could result in widespread industrial shutdowns, job losses, and a prolonged, costly recovery, in addition to damaging Pakistan’s image as a regional trade hub.

The OICCI expressed confidence that the relevant authorities in Sindh and the federal government understand the urgency of the matter and will take swift action to restore the free movement of goods. Uninterrupted trade is essential to supporting domestic commerce, maintaining export competitiveness and ensuring economic stability.

Separately, Khalid Tawab, regional chairperson of the United Business Group (UBG), has called on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to urgently intervene as ongoing protests and road blockades in Sindh disrupt economic activity and threaten the country’s fuel supply chain.

The week-long demonstrations -- led by lawyers and political groups -- have brought the movement of goods to a standstill, including fuel shipments from Karachi to upcountry regions. Tawab warned the situation could soon trigger shortages in northern Pakistan and parts of Sindh, with hundreds of tank lorries stranded en-route.

“The situation is getting worse, and if not resolved, it will severely impact our exports and imports,” Tawab said in a statement. “We urge the prime minister to facilitate the movement of tank lorries and cargo amid ongoing blockades.”

Industry sources estimate that more than 800 fuel tankers are currently stuck due to the unrest. Tawab also appealed to the Sindh government to activate local authorities and ensure safe passage for fuel transport across the province.

In a separate statement released on Wednesday, Patron-in-Chief of the United Business Group (UBG) SM Tanveer said that the blockade of the National Highway is severely hindering Pakistan’s export capabilities.

Tanveer expressed deep concern over the disruption, highlighting recent statistics indicating a 12 per cent decline in the nation’s exports in the last quarter, partly attributed to logistical hurdles.

The UBG leader noted the growing anxiety within the business community regarding the ongoing situation and the lack of a clear resolution. “The current blockade is not only affecting our export targets but also damaging the country’s reputation as a reliable trade partner,” Tanveer stated. He emphasised the critical need for uninterrupted movement of export consignments to meet established goals. “We cannot afford to lose more time and opportunities. The government needs to take immediate action to resolve this issue,” he urged.

Tanveer called upon the Sindh government to engage in negotiations with the protesting parties and persuade them to relocate their demonstrations away from the main highway to ensure the smooth flow of export-related transportation. “We need to find a solution that balances the rights of protesters with the needs of the economy,” he said, stressing the urgency of a swift resolution for the sake of the country’s overall economic stability and future growth.