90% of truck movement at Karachi port halted amid road closures

Escalating tensions following the U.S.-Israel-Iran conflict are also affecting Pakistan’s trade flows, disrupting both international shipping and domestic cargo movement.

M. Owais Chaudhry, President of the All Pakistan Goods Transport Owners Association, told Nukta that since some roads have been closed, 90% of the truck movement at Karachi Port has been stopped, while Port Qasim is functioning normally.

He said transporters are ready to support the government in any emergency situation.

Global shipping lines have also adjusted operations due to growing security concerns in the region.

Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) suspended all new bookings for worldwide cargo destined for the Middle East until further notice.

CMA CGM imposed an Emergency Conflict Surcharge of $2,000 per 20-foot dry container and $3,000 per 40-foot dry container on shipments to and from Iraq, Bahrain, Kuwait, Yemen, Qatar, Oman, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Egypt (Port of Ain Sokhna), Djibouti, Sudan and Eritrea. The company said the surcharge may be included in freight rates for certain origins.

Meanwhile, COSCO Shipping Lines informed customers that, due to the ongoing situation in the Middle East and Persian Gulf, a sub-vessel will not load export cargo at Karachi Gateway Terminal and Qasim International Container Terminal and will only discharge import containers.