ISLAMABAD: The intensifying standoff over the seizure of almost 1,000 containers, trucks and heavy vehicles is beginning to threaten the supply of food and essential goods to Islamabad and Rawalpindi, with traders warning of shortages and skyrocketing prices if the disruption persists.

The containers, which reportedly contain vegetables, fruits, dry fruits, medicines and other essential items, are being held as authorities prepare for four long marches to be held in the twin cities this week.

The move has alarmed wholesale dealers and transporters who say perishable goods might begin to get spoiled while thousands of workers involved in loading and unloading would be without work.

Supply chain under pressure

Wholesale dealers said transporters feared their vehicles could also be taken away, so supplies coming from major markets of Karachi, Faisalabad, Sargodha, and Quetta had almost stopped.

Dealers are said to be hiding containers and heavy vehicles in remote areas to avoid detention. It has led to a drastic slowdown in arrival of fresh supplies at wholesale markets in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

Traders fear supplies of vegetables, fruits, pulses, sugar, and flour could get scarce if the disruption continues for another 72 hours, putting more pressure on prices.

Traders demand immediate release

Sajid Khan, vice-president of the Wholesale Dealers Association, appealed to the government to release the detained vehicles and allow the unloading of perishable goods before they got spoiled.

He warned that the long detention could lead to a loss of millions of rupees and further disruption of supplies.

Meanwhile, the Goods Transport Association has written to the Prime Minister and the Chief Minister of Punjab for the immediate release of the seized vehicles.

Transporters were already struggling with high fuel costs and the latest seizures were another major blow to an industry facing prolonged difficulties, said Goods Transport Federation Vise President Haji Iqbal.

With supplies already being affected, traders are now watching the next 72 hours closely — a period that could determine whether the disruption remains temporary or develops into a wider food-supply crisis in the twin cities.

 
Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)