LAHORE (special crosspondent) – The President of the Lahore Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI), Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol, has urgently called upon the federal government to resolve the ongoing nationwide transporters’ strike through meaningful dialogue and mutual understanding. He cautioned that the prolonged disruption is severely threatening Pakistan’s supply chain, export capabilities, industrial output, and the overall trajectory of economic activity. Expressing grave concern as the strike enters its sixth consecutive day, the LCCI President warned that the current impasse between the government and transport unions could yield long-term, adverse consequences for both domestic businesses and consumers. He emphasized that the transportation sector serves as the backbone of the national economy, acting as a vital link between manufacturers, markets, ports, and consumers. Any extended disruption, he noted, exerts significant pressure across the entire economic chain.

LCCI Leadership Calls for Pragmatic Engagement

In a formal statement issued on Thursday, LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol, joined by Senior Vice President Tanveer Ahmed Sheikh and Vice President Khurram Lodhi, urged the government to adopt a pragmatic and conciliatory approach. They advocated for addressing the legitimate grievances of the transport community while simultaneously safeguarding national interests, sustaining industrial operations, and ensuring the uninterrupted movement of essential goods.

Severe Impact on Textile Exports

Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol highlighted that the crisis has transcended the transport sector, severely impacting Pakistan’s major export-oriented industries. The textile sector, in particular, is facing critical challenges, with estimates indicating that export containers valued at approximately $500 million remain stranded at factories. Exporters are now at significant risk of missing shipment deadlines, incurring hefty demurrage and detention charges, and facing potential contract cancellation claims from international buyers. “The situation is particularly alarming as the textile sector is currently navigating a crucial shipping period. Pakistan cannot afford to lose export orders or damage its credibility with international buyers due to domestic logistics disruptions,” he stated.

Broader Economic Consequences

The LCCI President warned that a continued stalemate would inevitably lead to shortages and price volatility for food items, industrial raw materials, petroleum products, and other essential commodities, further fueling inflationary pressures at a time when the populace is already contending with rising costs of living and doing business. Recent data has already signaled growing disruptions to import-export cycles and the nationwide distribution of essential goods.

Call for Institutional Reform

Stressing the need for flexibility, Mr. Saigol suggested that both parties avoid escalating the dispute into a prolonged confrontation. He proposed the establishment of a permanent consultative mechanism involving transporters, chambers of commerce, manufacturers, and relevant government departments to resolve sectoral issues before they manifest as national strikes. Furthermore, he called for a special framework to ensure that export cargo and essential industrial inputs remain exempt from such disruptions in the future, thereby minimizing economic losses. He concluded by reiterating that Pakistan requires institutional stability to bolster exports and attract foreign investment, noting that, “At this critical juncture, all stakeholders must demonstrate responsibility so that the wheels of industry, trade, and exports can resume without further delay.”