Islamabad, April 23: A sweeping suspension of goods transport across Rawalpindi and Islamabad since April 19 has triggered acute shortages of edible commodities and petroleum products, with traders and freight operators demanding immediate restoration of road access. The crisis has deepened over the past two to three days as oil tankers, grain carriers, and vegetable supply vehicles remain stranded at depots, unable to enter the twin cities.

Fuel Supply to Airports Under Threat

Oil Tanker Contractors' Association spokesperson Noman Ali Butt warned that the ban on goods transport vehicles is "severely hampering the supply of petroleum products" across the region. He confirmed that oil supply vehicles designated for both Peshawar Airport and Islamabad Airport are currently parked at depots, raising fears of imminent fuel disruption at the two major aviation hubs.

The association formally requested authorities to allow tankers to enter Rawalpindi and Islamabad without further delay, stressing that any prolonged halt could cascade into a full-scale aviation fuel crisis.

Grain, Fruit, and Vegetable Markets Hit Hard

Rawalpindi Goods Transport Association President Shaqeel Qureshi told Dawn that no supplies have reached grain, fruit, or vegetable markets since the road closure began on April 19. The halt has left daily wage workers without income, as labourers arriving at transport terminals are being turned away due to zero cargo movement.

Qureshi proposed that authorities permit goods vehicles to use the motorway as an alternative route to bring supplies from other parts of Pakistan. He drew a parallel with public transport buses on Peshawar Road, which have already been granted motorway access for passenger movement.

He acknowledged that motorway routing would increase transport costs but argued it was a necessary trade-off to prevent a deeper food shortage across the twin cities.

District Administrations Ordered the Blanket Ban

The crisis stems from orders issued on Sunday, April 20, when the district administrations of both Islamabad and Rawalpindi announced suspension of all public and goods transport. Islamabad Deputy Commissioner posted on X (formerly Twitter): "Heavy transport and public transport in the city are being suspended until further orders. Citizens are earnestly requested to cooperate with the security agencies."

No official reason was cited for the suspension. Similarly, the Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner ordered an immediate halt to all private, public, and goods transport in the district, as reported by Geo News.

Impact on Citizens and Daily Life

The combined effect of the ban has disrupted the supply chain for millions of residents across the twin cities. Markets are reporting dwindling stocks of essential commodities, and fuel stations face the prospect of running dry if tanker movement is not restored promptly.

Daily wage workers dependent on loading and unloading cargo have been left without earnings for several consecutive days, adding a humanitarian dimension to what began as a security-driven administrative order.

What Happens Next

Traders and transport associations are in active talks with district authorities to carve out a humanitarian corridor for essential goods. If the ban continues without a motorway exemption or partial lifting, Rawalpindi and Islamabad could face a full-scale supply crisis within days. All eyes are now on the district administrations to issue revised orders that balance security requirements with the urgent need to restore essential commodity supply chains across Pakistan's capital region.