The All Pakistan Transporters Association Alliance has warned the government, threatening to block highways if their issues are not addressed within 72 hours. Mir Shams Shahwani, chairman of the All Pakistan Oil Tankers Owners Association, highlighted that transporters are subjected to unfair fines by various authorities, including oil companies and several police departments.
Shahwani emphasized that failure to resolve these issues swiftly would lead to a shutdown of major highways, disrupting transportation across the region and potentially affecting logistics and supply chains throughout Pakistan.
The conference saw participation from key figures in the transport sector, such as Baktawar Khan Wazir, Haji Liaqat Mehsud, and Abdul Wahid Lari, along with leaders from various transport associations. They collectively argue that the fines undermine their businesses and demand prompt government intervention.
Earlier in Rawalpindi, despite recent hikes in petroleum prices, local transporters raised fares, sparking disputes between passengers and conductors.
The Regional Transport Authority (RTA) and traffic police responded to complaints by issuing challans to 14 vehicles. The Rawalpindi Deputy Commissioner stated that the fare hikes were unjustified, stressing that fare reductions should have occurred with earlier drops in fuel prices.
He declared that immediate actions are mandated against public transport vehicles that hike fares, overcharge, or overload passengers. Reported fare increases include a general rise of Rs5 per ride and specific route hikes affecting areas such as Raja Bazaar, Pirwadhai, and Kahuta.
