Transporters protest tax hike

HARIPUR:

Transporters operating at the Hattar Industrial Estate staged a strong protest against what they described as excessive taxes and government fiscal policies, warning of a wheel-jam strike if their demands are not met.

The protest was led by office-bearers of the All Pakistan Mini Mazda Association, including Hazara Division President Muhammad Banaras Khan, Hattar President Malik Asim, Senior Vice President Malik Sajid Nikyal, General Secretary Tariq Shah and other representatives.

The protesters rejected recent increases in toll taxes, vehicle transfer fees, token taxes, permit fees and other newly imposed levies, describing them as economic exploitation, administrative injustice and a coordinated financial assault on the transport community.

Speaking on the occasion, Banaras Khan said transporters, regarded as the backbone of the country's industrial, commercial and agricultural sectors, were already struggling with rising fuel prices, soaring vehicle maintenance costs and increasing prices of spare parts while freight charges remained largely unchanged.

He said imposing additional taxes under such circumstances would further cripple the transport sector and make it nearly impossible for operators to continue their businesses.

"We have been left with no option but to park our vehicles in protest," he said, adding that transporters would continue their constitutional, legal and democratic struggle to protect their rights.

Banaras Khan also demanded the withdrawal of cases registered against transporters, including those filed under Section 289, and called for an end to what he termed unnecessary legal action against the community. He urged the government to provide transporters with protection, respect and business-friendly policies.

Addressing the gathering, Hattar Mini Mazda Association President Malik Asim criticised the government for imposing substantial increases in toll tax, token tax, vehicle transfer fees and permit charges without consulting transporters.