Shipping containers are piling up at Karachi’s port as truckers hesitate to transport cargo toward northern parts of Pakistan amid concerns that their vehicles and containers could be requisitioned for security measures ahead of a planned march on Islamabad.
The disruption comes before an October 4 march by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) supporters. Authorities have been placing containers at key routes leading into the capital to restrict access during the planned demonstration.
Truckers Fear Vehicle Seizures
Truck drivers and transport operators say they are reluctant to travel toward Punjab and Islamabad because they fear their trucks could be stopped and used to carry or position containers as roadblocks.
According to Reuters, police requisitioned more than 2,000 vehicles in September ahead of the march. Some vehicles were reportedly still carrying cargo and remained held for several days.
The situation has discouraged some transporters from sending vehicles beyond parts of Punjab, while others have opted for alternative routes.
Cargo Movement Hit by Road Restrictions
The disruption is affecting routes connecting Karachi with Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Jhelum, Peshawar and Attock. Transport operators say the uncertainty is making it difficult to deliver goods and keep their trucks operating normally.
Rana Muhammad Aslam, president of the Karachi Goods Carriers Association, said the number of containers at Karachi’s trade gateway was increasing as transporters avoided routes where they feared their vehicles could be seized.
Daily Costs Rise for Delayed Containers
Transporters are also facing additional expenses because of the delays. According to the report, demurrage charges on some containers can reach Rs30,000 to Rs40,000 per day, adding to the financial pressure caused by idle trucks and missed deliveries.
The Pakistan Bureau of Statistics reported that consumer prices increased 10.26% year-on-year in September, while the transport price index rose 27.43%.
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Drivers Concerned About Lost Income
Truck drivers say prolonged delays are affecting their earnings and their ability to support their families. Some drivers have chosen to keep loaded vehicles parked rather than risk traveling toward areas where seizures may occur.
The developments have created a wider impact on cargo transportation, with businesses and transporters facing delays as authorities prepare security arrangements ahead of the Islamabad march.
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