In times of flood in Punjab and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and now soon in Sindh, the supply chain is feeling the strain across the country. No doubt, motorways and highways remain open, transporters say shipments are being delayed by two to three days on other routes. Goods moving from Karachi to Punjab, and back again, are taking longer than usual. According to stakeholders, the major issue is the lack of diversion signs in flood-hit areas. Container trucks often end up stranded at blocked points. This wastes time and fuel. This simple problem highlights a bigger issue: a lack of planning for disasters. Clear diversions and updated information could save businesses time and reduce losses. Flooding has already stopped fertiliser shipments through roads along the Sutlej, Ravi and Chenab. If the floods last longer, fertiliser movement and consumption could be hit. For now, supplies on motorways are stable, but shipments to rural markets are halted because farming has paused in submerged areas.
Other industries are also feeling the impact. Karachi’s vegetable markets are seeing fewer onions and potatoes. Oil companies have yet to report disruptions, but uncertainty looms. The pharmaceutical industry says medicine supplies remain steady, but this could change if roads remain blocked. Experts warn that floods may damage crops and push food prices higher, sparking fresh inflation concerns. Pakistan’s economy is only beginning to stabilise, and disasters like these highlight its fragility.
Flood is usual seasonal calamity but it failed to teach us a better disaster planning. Roads and bridges need strengthening, and proper diversion systems should be put in place before floods strike. The government and private sector must work together, treating road planning and flood management as a national priority. Floods are natural, but chaos is not. With preparation, Pakistan can protect its supply chains, farmers, and consumers.
