By Our Correspondent
LAHORE – The Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has raised a serious alarm over the ongoing transport disruption caused by protests related to the construction of new canals. LCCI President Mian Abuzar Shad has made a heartfelt appeal to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to take immediate notice of the crisis, which has severely impacted trade and industry across Punjab and beyond.
Read also: LCCI Standing Committee on Transport discusses transporters’ challenges
According to LCCI, more than 100,000 trucks loaded with commercial goods have been stranded since April 17 due to road blockades stretching from Hyderabad to Sadiqabad. The protestors are voicing opposition to the controversial canal project, which they believe should be resolved through political dialogue in the assembly rather than by paralyzing national highways.
“This is not just a matter of blocked roads; it’s a matter of national economic stability,” said Mian Abuzar Shad. “The suspension of transport services has brought the supply chain to a standstill. Industrial units are running out of raw materials, and many have already been forced to shut down.”
LCCI estimates that billions of rupees in economic losses have been incurred over the past five days, with 80 per cent of industries in Punjab either completely closed or operating at a bare minimum. “The damage is colossal. We are witnessing a logistical breakdown on a national scale,” Shad added.
The Chamber emphasized that the canal issue is a political matter and should be discussed and resolved in the legislative assembly. Turning national roads into a battlefield is not only detrimental to businesses but also deeply damaging to the country’s economic reputation and investor confidence.
The LCCI has urged the government to intervene immediately and ensure the smooth flow of goods across the country. The business community, it said, is standing on the brink of a serious crisis that could have long-term consequences for Pakistan’s economic outlook.
“We appeal to the Prime Minister to take this matter into his own hands,” Shad stressed. “Please restore the transport system, end the suffering of the business community, and prevent further economic damage.”
