The supply of food and other essential goods from Karachi to Islamabad has been suspended after goods transporters stopped loading cargo over the seizure of containers in Islamabad and Punjab.

The Goods Transport Supreme Council said the continued detention of containers has caused heavy losses for the transport sector, prompting transporters to halt the movement of goods bound for the federal capital.

The council’s chairman said supplies of food items and other goods from Karachi to Islamabad have been stopped due to the ongoing issue.

The disruption comes as containers are being taken into custody in Islamabad and Punjab for security arrangements.

The situation has also affected shipping companies, which have reportedly stopped providing containers to goods transporters and grounded available containers because of concerns over their use and detention.

The suspension of cargo movement could affect the supply chain for Islamabad, particularly if the disruption continues and deliveries of food and other essential items remain suspended.

The development comes ahead of planned protests in the capital, as authorities have been using containers as part of security arrangements.