The textile industry has urged the government to urgently intervene and resolve an indefinite goods transport strike that has disrupted the movement of export containers, imported cotton and locally produced cotton to mills.
The All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance went on strike on Aug. 8 after talks with the government collapsed over the uniform enforcement of axle-load limits across the country and permission for 10-wheel vehicles to carry up to 35 tons. They are also demanding reductions in diesel prices and toll taxes, besides seeking relief in withholding tax to ease the financial burden on the transport sector.
In a letter addressed to Communications Minister Aleem Khan, representatives of the textile industry said the strike was already affecting export shipments, the movement of imported cotton from ports and transportation of locally produced cotton from markets to textile mills.
“Cotton stocks with mills are low at the end of the season,” it read, warning that prolonged disruption in the movement of imported and local cotton could interrupt production.
Pakistan’s textile sector is a major source of the country’s exports and foreign exchange earnings. Any prolonged disruption to raw material supplies could therefore affect export shipments, employment and industrial activity, the letter warned, adding similar disruptions in the past had caused delays in export shipments, financial losses and interruptions in mill operations.
It urged the communications ministry to facilitate an early resolution of the dispute and prioritize the movement of export cargo, imported raw materials and local cotton.
The appeal comes as textile manufacturers face pressure to maintain production and meet export commitments, with mills holding limited cotton stocks at the end of the season. The industry said uninterrupted transportation was essential to prevent further disruption to manufacturing and exports.