The Pakistan Transporters Associations Alliance has issued a strong demand for the immediate closure of the weigh bridge at the junction of the M9 Motorway and the National Highway link road. They have warned that their sit-in protest will continue until their demand is met. For this, they have given 72 hours to the authorities to take action and address their grievances.
The alliance highlighted that the contract for constructing the 27-kilometre-long link road, also known as the Eastern Bypass, connecting the M9 and National Highway, was initially awarded by the former Sindh government to the approved contractor, Ashraf D Baloch Company. However, this contractor has only completed two-and-a-half kilometres portion of the road. Furthermore, they allege that this contractor, with the alleged involvement of former provincial ministers, installed a weigh bridge. This bridge reportedly charges an excessive weight fee of Rs5,000 from vehicles. Armed people of the bridge operator threaten drivers that they would be dealt strictly if they refuse to pay. Cases of extortion from trucks and trailers continue to be a significant concern.
During a press conference held in Karachi, the leaders of the Pakistan Transporters Associations Alliance recounted previous protests against the weigh bridge, which had temporarily led to the road's closure for four hours.
Published in The Express Tribune, September 10th, 2023.
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