Protests against the construction of new canals in Sindh have brought the national economy to a standstill, with over 12,000 vehicles stranded on the national highway near Babarlo Bypass.

The blockade, now in its sixth day, has paralysed traffic from Punjab and other provinces, leaving 1,000 commercial vehicles and 2,500 oil tankers stuck, threatening food and fuel supplies to Sindh, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The protest, led by local lawyers in Khairpur, has sparked fuel shortages in Ghotki and Pano Aqil, with demonstrators in Daharki stopping trucks heading to Punjab. In Thatta, traffic disruptions were reported at Makli and Gharo, while in Qambar Shahdadkot, the main road connecting Sindh and Balochistan was shut down, causing spoilage of perishable goods and distress to livestock transporters.

Stranded drivers report being overcharged for meals by local hotels, while lawlessness has added to their misery, with looting incidents reported.

FPCCI raises serious concerns over blockade; urges government to intervene

Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) President Atif Ikram Sheikh has raised alarm over the ongoing sit-in at Baberloo, which has stranded over 12,000 vehicles on the national highway, severely disrupting supply chains across Punjab, Sindh, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

In a statement, Sheikh said that around 1,000 commercial vehicles and 2,500 oil tankers are among those stuck due to the protest. The prolonged roadblock, now in its third day, is threatening the delivery of essential food and fuel supplies to major provinces.

He warned of massive economic losses due to the highway closures and urged both provincial and federal governments to take immediate action. “The FPCCI is ready to fully cooperate,” he stated.

Highlighting the severity of the crisis, the FPCCI president revealed that the Karachi Port is dealing with over 3,000 unclaimed containers, with demurrage losses exceeding $2 million daily. He added that domestic supply chains have been badly disrupted, affecting both households and industries.

Sheikh further noted that the supply of wheat and vegetables from Sindh, Punjab, and KP has been reduced by 40%, while textile and seafood exports to the EU and Gulf markets could suffer a $50 million loss.

Calling for urgent intervention, he demanded that the Council of Common Interests convene immediately to resolve the issue and restore normalcy.