The All Pakistan Transporters Association Alliance has warned the government of road blockades if their complaints are not addressed within 72 hours.
Addressing a press conference in Karachi, Pakistan Tanker Owners Association president Mir Shams Shahwani said transporters were facing unfair fines from various authorities including oil companies, National Highway Authority, police of highways and excise police in Sindh. Express News reported.
Shahwani stated that unless the issues were resolved in a timely manner, they would close the roads to traffic, halting transport operations across the region.
The threat of such action has raised concerns about possible disruption to logistics and supply chains in Pakistan.
Several prominent figures from the transport sector were present at the conference, including Baktawar Khan Wazir, President of Adbil Petroleum Owners Association of Pakistan; Haji Liaqat Mehsud, President, Sindh Truck/Dumper Association; and Abdul Wahid Lari, president of Sindh-Balochistan Mazda Union.
Additionally, leaders from Pakistan Mazda Truck Freight Transport Association, Water Tank Owners Association, Pakistan Awan Goods Association and Karachi Goods Association attended.
Transporters claim that these fines are not only unfair but also detrimental to their businesses and demand immediate intervention to resolve the matter before the deadline approaches.
Earlier this month, despite a slight increase in prices of petroleum products, transporters in Rawalpindi increased fares on all local routes from Rs 5 to Rs 10, sparking disputes between passengers and conductors.
Commuters have demanded immediate and strict action against transporters who have not reduced fares and are instead increasing them, despite multiple reductions in petrol and diesel prices in the past.
The Regional Transport Authority (RTA) and traffic police took note of passengers’ complaints regarding unjustified increase in fares and issued challans to 14 vehicles.
The Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner (DC) has made it clear that there is no valid reason for transporters to increase rates but they continue to charge more. This is especially frustrating since they didn’t bother to reduce rates when oil prices fell earlier.
Action will be taken against any public transport vehicle including buses, minibuses, carriages, roller coasters, Toyota Hiaces, Suzuki rickshaws, Qingqi rickshaws, taxis, auto rickshaws and Bykea users that increase fares, overcharge or overcharge passengers he said, adding instructions have been issued to take immediate action against transport operators who increase fares.
Transporters have increased fare on several routes, with passengers reporting an increase of Rs 5 per trip, and specific increases on routes such as Raja Bazaar to Pirwadha, Kachehri, Sihala, Koral Pul and Raja Bazaar to Rawat, Kahuta, where locals Vans have increased their fares by Rs 5 each.
