The Alliance of Pakistan Transporters Association has warned the government of highway blockages if its grievances are not addressed within 72 hours.
Addressing a press conference in Karachi, Pakistan Oil Tanker Owners Association President Mir Shams Shahwani said the transporters were facing unfair fines from several authorities, including oil companies, of National Highway Authority, Motorway Police and Sindh Excise Police. Express News reported.
Shahwani said that unless the issues were resolved within the stipulated time, they would close the highways to all traffic, disrupting transport operations across the region.
The threat of such action has raised concerns about the potential disruption of logistics and supply chains in Pakistan.
Present at the conference were several notable figures from the transport sector, including Baktawar Khan Wazir, President of the All Pakistan Adbil Oil Owners Association; Haji Liaqat Mehsud, president of All Sindh Truck/Dumper Association; and Abdul Wahid Lari, president of Sindh-Balochistan Mazda Union.
Additionally, leaders of All Pakistan Mazda Truck Goods Transport Association, All Water Tankers Owners Association, All Pakistan Awan Goods Association and Karachi Goods Association were present.
Carriers say these fines are not only unfair but also detrimental to their businesses and demand immediate intervention to resolve the issue before the impending deadline.
Earlier this month, despite a slight increase in prices of petroleum products, transporters in Rawalpindi increased fares on all local routes by Rs 5 to 10, triggering conflicts between passengers and drivers.
Commuters have demanded immediate and strict action against transporters who have not reduced their fares and instead increased them, despite multiple reductions in petrol and diesel prices in the past.
The Regional Transport Authority (RTA) and traffic police took cognizance of passengers’ complaints regarding the unjustified fare hike and issued challans to 14 vehicles.
Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner (DC) has made it clear that there is no valid reason for transporters to increase fares, and yet they still charge more. It’s even more frustrating since they didn’t bother to cut tariffs when oil prices fell earlier.
Action will be taken against all public transport vehicles including buses, minibuses, wagons, coasters, Toyota Hiaces, Suzuki rickshaws, Qingqi rickshaws, taxis, auto rickshaws and Bykea riders who increase fares, overcharge or overcharge passengers, he said, adding Instructions have been issued for immediate action to be taken against transport operators who increase fares.
The fare of various routes has been increased by carriers, with passengers reporting a hike of Rs 5 per journey, and specific increases on routes such as Raja Bazaar to Pirwadha, Kachehri, Sihala, Koral Pul and Raja Bazaar to Rawat, Kahuta , where local vans have increased their rates by Rs5 each.
