Transporters back proposed strike

RAWALPINDI:

All transport organisations in Rawalpindi district — including federations, the Bikeiya Union and goods transport groups — have announced support for the wheel-jam strike across Punjab on December 8 and 10 against heavy traffic fines.

They declared that no buses or wagons will operate on intercity, twin cities, suburban or long routes on the two strike days, and goods transport will also remain suspended.

Asif Khan, Vice President of the Transport Federation, said fines for long-route and intercity vehicles have risen to Rs20,000–30,000, while transporters earn only Rs50 profit per passenger.

He said such fines can destroy their business, adding that the government is trying to recover its financial burdens from transporters, who are already struggling with fuel and parts becoming up to 500 per cent costlier in three years.

He said the government has turned transporters into a "cash cow," forcing them to protest.

Joint Secretary of Intercity Transport, Malik Mustafa, demanded an immediate reduction in fines and an end to policies that "destroy" the sector.