Transporters'' strike hits trade activities

The countrywide strike of transporters, which entered its fifth day on Sunday, has badly affected trade activities across the country, those related to imports and exports. According to traders, the protest has inflicted losses of up to $200 million and fruits and vegetables were rotting, as the strike has resulted in piling up of export shipments and outbound cargo at Karachi port and Port Qasim.
Similarly, goods of millions of rupees have also been stuck in factories owing to the truckers'' strike. The goods transporters are demanding the reversal of the decision to increase income tax and action against the frequent incidents of extortion and kidnappings.
They said hundreds of their containers were being lifted by the civil administration of Sindh and Punjab for blocking roads and streets during Muharram processions. The strike will continue till their demands are met by the government, the transporters said.