Seizure of nearly 1,000 goods vehicles disrupts essential supplies to Rawalpindi, Islamabad

Nearly 1,000 vehicles, among them containers, lorries and other heavy goods carriers, have been impounded ahead of four planned long marches, Profit by Pakistan Today reported. The seizures have interrupted the flow of necessities into Rawalpindi and Islamabad, and transporters and wholesalers warn of shortages and spoilage if the restrictions carry on.

The Goods Transport Federation and wholesale dealers have protested, saying the stalled loads include food, medicine and dried fruit that is starting to deteriorate. They warn that cargo worth millions of rupees is at risk. Supplies from Karachi, Faisalabad and Sargodha to the twin cities have been halted, and heavy transport has stopped reaching wholesale markets as owners try to avoid further seizures.

Dealers have parked and hidden containers in far-flung areas, and container rents are going up too. Vegetables, fruit and groceries are beginning to run short, and Wholesale Dealers Association Vice President Sajid Khan warned that prices could climb a further 100% before the week is out. Goods Transport Federation Vice President Haji Iqbal said continued seizures could force transporters to halt the goods transport system altogether.