PTBP Web Desk
The President of the All Pakistan Traders Association (APTA), Ajmal Baloch, has issued an urgent appeal for a political resolution to the turmoil that has recently swept across Pakistan, severely impacting both the public and the economy. In a detailed statement, Baloch underscored the gravity of the situation, describing the widespread unrest that has led to significant disruptions in daily life and economic activities.
Baloch painted a grim picture of the current state of affairs, stating, “There is chaos across the country, and the people are deeply troubled.” The political unrest has manifested in various forms, most notably through the blockade of roads which has brought industries to a standstill. This stoppage is not only halting production but also causing substantial financial losses to traders, highlighting a dire need for swift action to restore normalcy.
The repercussions of the blockades extend beyond industrial closures. There’s a looming threat of food shortages as goods cannot be transported, with Baloch warning, “There is a fear of shortages of foodstuffs across the country.” This situation is exacerbated by containers loaded with essential goods being stranded on major routes, contributing to a logistical nightmare that could lead to scarcity of essential commodities.
Moreover, the medical sector has not been spared, with supply chains for medicines disrupted. “Patients are unable to reach hospitals, and ambulances are struggling to find routes, resulting in fatalities,” Baloch pointed out, emphasizing the human cost of the ongoing political impasse.
The immediate trigger for the current blockade scenario appears to be the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) protest planned in Islamabad. In anticipation, the government has taken drastic measures by sealing off entry and exit points to Rawalpindi and Islamabad. Containers have been strategically placed on key routes like the Faizabad Flyover, and there has been a heavy deployment of police to control access.
This has led to the closure of several major roads including:
• Murree Road
• Motorway
• Rawat
• T-Chowk
• Taxila
• Margalla
• Mandrah
Major highways such as the Murree Expressway, Hazara Expressway, and connecting roads from Punjab have been blocked, effectively isolating the region and severely hampering movement and commerce.
Baloch’s appeal is not just for relief but for a comprehensive political solution. He emphasized that only through dialogue and negotiation can the country move past this crisis. “It’s crucial for the government to address the current situation by implementing a political solution to alleviate the hardships faced by both the general public and the business community,” he insisted.
The unrest not only affects immediate economic activities but also has long-term implications for Pakistan’s image as a stable investment destination. The disruption in supply chains, the potential for food crises, and the humanitarian aspects of the medical emergency underline the urgency of resolving the political deadlock.
