PESHAWAR: Road blockades by supporters of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) have disrupted the movement of goods between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab, triggering concerns among traders over possible shortages of essential commodities ahead of Ramazan.
For the past several days, party workers have staged sit-ins on key inter-provincial routes, including the Peshawar-Islamabad Motorway near Swabi, the GT Road at Attock Bridge, Khushalgarh in Kohat, and connecting roads in Dera Ismail Khan.
The protests are part of ongoing demonstrations calling for improved medical access and treatment facilities for PTI founder Imran Khan.
The closures have slowed the supply of flour, rice, pulses and other grocery items from Punjab, a major supplier of food products to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
Wholesale dealers say consignments have either been delayed or rerouted through longer, costlier alternatives, leading to reduced availability in local markets.
Retailers in several cities reported limiting sales of certain items to manage shrinking inventories.
Livestock transport has also been affected, raising concerns about potential pressure on meat supply and prices during Ramazan, when demand typically increases.
Commuters have faced traffic disruptions and delays, while transporters say prolonged closures could further escalate freight costs.
Traders have urged authorities and protest leaders to resolve the situation to ensure uninterrupted supply of essential goods during the fasting month.
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