Deal with transporters ‘almost done’, says Murad Ali Shah
The chief minister said efforts were continuing to resolve the remaining issues and restore normal transport operations.
However, transporters have indicated that a final agreement has not yet been reached with government officials. The differing claims come as the strike enters its seventh consecutive day, affecting the movement of goods and raising concerns among businesses.
Transporters say no final deal has been reached
Earlier, Advocate Muhammad Owais Chaudhry said the transporters were not close to finalising an agreement with government officials. He said the strike had entered its seventh consecutive day, with the transport community continuing its protest over unresolved demands.
His remarks differed from Murad Ali Shah’s claim that a deal was almost complete. The situation suggests that negotiations are still underway and that the final outcome will depend on whether the remaining issues can be resolved.
Murad directs transport department to speed up talks
Speaking at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s 79th Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony, Murad directed the provincial transport department to expedite efforts to resolve the remaining issues.
He stressed the need to restore normal transport operations as soon as possible.
The chief minister’s remarks indicate that the provincial government is seeking an early settlement with the transporters. A successful agreement could help end the strike and reduce disruption to the movement of goods and business activity.
Strike continues to raise concerns for businesses
The prolonged strike has raised concerns among businesses that rely on road transport to move goods. A continued suspension of transport services could disrupt supply chains and increase pressure on traders, manufacturers and other businesses.
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The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry event also provided an opportunity for the chief minister to discuss broader economic challenges facing the country. Murad said reducing the cost of doing business was essential to improving Pakistan’s economic performance.
Murad sees potential to boost Pakistan’s exports
Addressing the business community, Murad said Pakistan could increase its exports from around $30 billion to $100 billion. He said this could be achieved by reducing the cost of doing business, improving industrial competitiveness and making better use of Sindh’s indigenous energy resources.
According to the chief minister, stronger cooperation between the government and the private sector would be necessary to achieve economic growth. He highlighted the importance of creating conditions that would help businesses expand production and compete in international markets.
CM calls for economic progress through cooperation
Murad said Pakistan had demonstrated its strength on the military and diplomatic fronts. He added that the country now needed to achieve similar success on the economic front.
The chief minister stressed the importance of cooperation between the government and the private sector to address economic challenges. He said greater coordination could help Pakistan improve industrial competitiveness, increase exports and make better use of its available resources.
What happens next?
The outcome of the ongoing talks will determine whether the goods transporters end their strike in the coming days. Murad Ali Shah’s claim that an agreement is almost complete has raised hopes of a breakthrough.
However, the transporters’ position that no final deal has yet been reached shows that some issues may still need to be resolved. The next round of discussions will be important in determining whether the two sides can reach an agreement and restore normal transport operations.
