Karachi: Goods transporters in Pakistan have called on the government to intervene and instruct shipping companies and port authorities to waive demurrage and late delivery charges incurred during the recent 12-day protests related to the construction of canals on the Indus River.
Nisar Hussain Jafry, Chairman of the Pakistan Goods Transporters Association (PGTA), stated that thousands of commercial vehicles were stranded due to widespread road blockages caused by protestors, including lawyers and citizens from Sindh.
These disruptions prevented the timely delivery of containers and cargo, leading to additional financial burdens in the form of demurrage fees and late delivery penalties.
Jafry emphasized that transporters should not be penalized for delays caused by factors entirely beyond their control.
He highlighted that more than 50,000 goods-carrying vehicles were affected across various routes in Sindh, including those en route to and from Punjab.
With the end of the protests, these vehicles have resumed movement and road congestion is gradually easing.
The transport sector has received some institutional support in the aftermath.
The Motorway Police are cooperating by refraining from issuing challans (tickets) to vehicles, facilitating the swift movement of goods.
Meanwhile, the Excise Department has decided to temporarily suspend any penalty impositions for a week to assist transporters in recovering from the disruption.
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The transporters’ appeal for a waiver of port-related charges reflects broader concerns about the financial strain placed on logistics and supply chains during civil unrest, and it underscores the need for responsive policy measures to protect businesses from such unforeseen disruptions.
