Fiza Ali criticises Nimra Khan’s ex-husband over divorce comments

The economists and business experts have warned that the nationwide suspension of goods and oil transportation could create serious disruptions across Pakistan’s supply chains if the dispute is not resolved quickly, adding that prolonged interruption in cargo movement would increase operating costs, disrupt industrial production and put further pressure on exports. Experts said the ongoing situation should not be viewed merely as a dispute between transporters and the government, as the uninterrupted movement of goods is essential for manufacturing, agriculture, wholesale and retail trade, imports, exports and the distribution of essential commodities. They said the suspension of a large portion of the country’s freight fleet could create a chain reaction across the economy. Factories dependent on regular supplies of imported and locally produced raw materials could face interruptions, while manufacturers with completed consignments could experience difficulties in moving goods to ports, warehouses and domestic markets. According to economic experts, any prolonged disruption in freight movement could raise costs at multiple stages of the supply chain, ultimately increasing prices for businesses and consumers. They urged the government to give immediate priority to negotiations with transport representatives and ensure restoration of normal cargo movement, while simultaneously addressing the structural issues that have contributed to growing tensions in the transport sector. Experts said the introduction of daily petroleum price adjustments had added another layer of uncertainty to an already difficult operating environment. Fuel represents a major component of freight costs, and daily changes make it difficult for transport operators to determine charges for journeys that may take several days. The resulting uncertainty also affects manufacturers and traders because businesses cannot accurately forecast the cost of moving raw materials and finished products. For exporters, the issue is particularly significant as freight costs are often incorporated into orders and contracts agreed weeks or months before shipment. Economists said Pakistan needed a petroleum pricing framework that reflected international market movements while providing sufficient predictability for businesses. They noted that frequent changes in fuel prices could complicate production planning, inventory management and commercial contracting. They further cautioned that heavy reliance on petroleum taxes and levies could become counterproductive if it substantially increased transportation and production costs. Higher fuel prices raise the delivered cost of raw materials, machinery, food products and finished goods and also increase the cost of moving agricultural inputs and crops between production areas and markets. According to experts, the current disruption has also exposed weaknesses in Pakistan’s logistics infrastructure. The country needs better freight facilities, rationalised toll charges, adequate parking for heavy vehicles around ports and industrial zones, streamlined licensing procedures and a taxation framework that does not place excessive pressure on formal transport operators. They stressed that logistics costs should be considered an integral part of Pakistan’s export strategy. Export competitiveness depends not only on the cost of manufacturing a product but also on the expense and reliability of moving raw materials to factories and finished goods to ports. Experts said Pakistani exporters already face intense competition from regional economies where supply chains are becoming more efficient and predictable. Any additional increase in domestic transportation costs could further reduce the price competitiveness of Pakistani products in international markets. They recommended establishing a permanent consultation mechanism involving transporters, chambers of commerce, manufacturers, exporters, oil-sector representatives and relevant government agencies. Such a platform could identify emerging problems and develop solutions before individual disputes escalate into economy-wide disruptions. Economists also called for a review of withholding tax arrangements affecting goods transporters, saying the taxation system should encourage formalisation, investment and expansion of the logistics sector rather than create additional working-capital pressures. They said all transport-related taxes, tolls, fees and regulatory charges should be reviewed collectively to determine their overall impact on freight costs.

Pakistan has issued a high-level flood alert after India released a significant volume of water from the Salal Dam following heavy rainfall in Indian-administered Kashmir. The move has raised concerns among Pakistani authorities, who are closely monitoring the situation as water levels continue to rise in the Chenab River. According to Punjab’s Irrigation Department, the heavy rainfall in the upper catchment areas prompted Indian authorities to open all gates of the Salal Dam, allowing a large flow of water to move downstream toward Pakistan. Officials have warned that the increased water discharge could reach Wazirabad within the next 48 hours, prompting precautionary measures in vulnerable areas. The Irrigation Department stated that water levels in the Chenab River have already begun to increase. Authorities are continuously tracking river flows to assess the potential impact on downstream districts and to provide timely updates if the situation changes. As a precaution, a high alert has been issued for flood-prone areas, particularly in Sialkot and Wazirabad, where local administrations have been instructed to remain prepared for any emergency. Disaster management teams are coordinating with relevant departments to monitor developments and ensure a rapid response if water levels continue to rise. Officials have urged residents living near the Chenab River and low-lying areas to stay informed through official announcements and avoid unnecessary travel near riverbanks. Emergency services are also on standby to respond quickly should flooding occur. Seasonal monsoon rains often lead to rising river levels across the region, making cross-border water management a critical issue during this period. Sudden increases in water discharge from upstream reservoirs can significantly affect downstream communities, requiring close coordination between authorities and continuous monitoring of river conditions. While officials have expressed concern over the rising water levels, they are also emphasizing that the situation remains under observation. The extent of any flooding will depend on rainfall patterns over the coming days and the volume of water continuing to flow into the Chenab River. Residents in at-risk areas are advised to follow guidance issued by local authorities, remain alert for weather and flood updates, and take necessary precautions if evacuation advisories are issued. Authorities have assured the public that monitoring efforts will continue around the clock to minimize risks and protect communities from any potential flooding. With the water surge expected to arrive within the next two days, emergency agencies remain on alert as Pakistan prepares for the possible impact of increased river flows during the ongoing monsoon season.