Goods transporters on Saturday called off their strike following successful negotiations with provincial authorities in Karachi.
Following talks, Karachi Commissioner Syed Hassan Naqvi confirmed that the transporters' associations have assured their full cooperation with the provincial government and divisional administration in addressing the mechanical faults in heavy vehicles over time.
He noted that the goods transporters have agreed to submit weekly reports to the deputy inspector general of traffic police.
"They will not operate any 'road unworthy' vehicle," a statement from the commissioner read.
Regarding previously seized vehicles, he added that the impounded heavy vehicles will be released immediately, except those that are in severely dilapidated condition, for which the release of impounded vehicles will be made after furnishing of an affidavit that the vehicle will not be brought on the road, unless cleared by motor vehicle inspection.
Transport Goods Association (TGA) President Tariq Gujjar stated that the officials had acknowledged their demands as "legitimate", providing a six-month window for implementation of key issues, including improving vehicle fitness standards to reduce road mishaps.
Gujjar shared that the number of motor vehicle inspectors had been increased to 25, and according to the commissioner, 25 more would soon be recruited to overcome delays in issuing fitness certificates.
He added that the newly recruited inspectors will visit the association's offices to issue computerised fitness certificates directly.
As part of long-term solutions, the TGA proposed to the provincial government to relocate thousands of warehouses from densely populated commercial hubs like Saddar and Tariq Road to the city's outskirts.
The association also suggested the construction or designation of roads exclusively for heavy vehicles in industrial areas, and the reservation of separate tracks for motorcycles along such routes to prevent collisions.
The TGA president mentioned their meeting with Sindh Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani, who informed them that Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah had taken serious note of the situation.
Furthermore, Gujjar revealed that traders' bodies had reached out to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, seeking federal intervention to resolve the issue, which they claimed stemmed from the "abrupt" enforcement of transport measures by the provincial authorities.
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