Strike Postponed as Governor Holds Talks with Business and Transport Leaders

By: Aziz Khatri

 Karachi: Transporters and traders in Karachi postponed their planned strike following a meeting with Sindh Governor Syed Muhammad Nihal Hashmi at the Governor House Karachi.

The decision was taken during a session chaired by the Governor, attended by delegations of transporters’ associations and the All Karachi Traders Association. The meeting focused on concerns related to rising petroleum prices, market timings, and the overall business environment.

Following the meeting, the Governor addressed a joint press conference alongside representatives of traders and transporters. He congratulated the nation on the ceasefire in the region and appreciated the role of the country’s leadership, including the Prime Minister and military leadership, in achieving peace. He noted that Pakistan’s positive role is being recognized internationally.

Governor Syed Muhammad Nihal Hashmi said that he held detailed discussions with the business community and transporters, listening to their concerns and assuring them of cooperation in resolving their issues.

President of the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance, Malik Shahzad Awan, stated that although a strike had been planned, it was postponed in view of the prevailing national and regional situation, as well as the assurances provided by the Governor. He also congratulated the leadership for efforts in ensuring regional peace.

President of the All Karachi Traders Association, Rizwan Irfan, said that traders had planned to call a strike within 48 hours but decided to defer it after presenting their concerns to the Governor and considering the current circumstances.

A 13-member delegation led by Malik Shahzad Awan, along with representatives from various transport bodies—including goods carriers, truck and trailer associations—and members of the traders’ community attended the meeting.

The development is being seen as a positive step toward dialogue and coordination between the government and key economic stakeholders, helping to avert disruption in business and transport activities in the city.