The Sarhad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) has raised alarm over the economic fallout from continued highway and trade route closures caused by protests in Sindh province, Pakistan. In a statement issued Tuesday, SCCI President Fazal Moqeem Khan highlighted the mounting financial losses and disruption to supply chains across the country.
According to Moqeem, the road blockades have severely affected the transport of export consignments and essential goods. Thousands of trucks and containers remain stranded, delaying deliveries and creating shortages, especially of perishable goods such as fruits and vegetables. "The closures have disrupted the supply of fresh vegetables, fruits, and essential commodities to urban centres, triggering shortages and price hikes," he said.
He also pointed to significant daily financial losses, citing heavy demurrage charges, spoilage of perishable products, cancelled export orders, and growing port congestion. "Our exporters, already grappling with tough global competition, now face shipment penalties, risking Pakistan's trade credibility on the international stage," he warned.
Moqeem emphasized that the manufacturing sector has also suffered. Factory operations have been interrupted due to the unavailability of input supplies and absenteeism among workers unable to reach job sites. He urged the government to prioritize dialogue with demonstrators to resolve the crisis and restore the flow of goods and industrial activity.
Source: The News