Protests Over Water Crisis in Sindh Block National Highways, Threatening Exports and National Economy

Karachi:Protests over the ongoing irrigation crisis in Sindh have brought national highways to a standstill, severely disrupting the country’s export activities and putting them at serious risk. Hundreds of export containers filled with potatoes are stuck on Sindh’s internal routes, causing delays in shipments to the Middle East and Far Eastern countries.

According to Wahid Ahmed, the Chairman of the Pakistan Fruit and Vegetable Exporters Association, if these containers are not transported to the Karachi port immediately, the goods inside could be ruined due to the lack of controlled temperatures. He emphasized, “The proper storage of export potatoes requires the continuous operation of generators, but fuel has run out in many areas. If the delays continue, exporters could face a loss of at least $1.5 million, and farmers will also bear heavy financial losses.”

On the other hand, the President of the All Pakistan Goods Transport Owners Association has described the crisis as a national disaster, noting that thousands of freight trucks have been stuck under the open sky due to protests against the breakdown of the irrigation system in Sindh. These trucks are carrying essential goods such as vegetables, fruits, medicines, and other necessities but are stranded without water, food, or shelter, and there is no security in place.

He further stated that numerous phone calls have been received from across the country, reporting that several vehicles have suffered damage, and there have been incidents of looting and stone-pelting at some locations. This has put the lives of drivers at risk.

Experts have warned that if the road blockages are not cleared immediately, it could lead to a shortage of essential goods, an increase in inflation, and a halt to industrial production. The transporters and exporters are unanimously demanding that the Sindh government, federal authorities, and relevant agencies act swiftly to reopen the roads, provide security for the vehicles and drivers, and create a special corridor to ensure the timely delivery of export containers to the port.

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