Transporters warn of nationwide wheel-jam

Association gives govt 24 hours to withdraw fuel price hike

KARCHI:

The Karachi Goods Carriers Association (KGCA) on Sunday rejected the recent increase in diesel and petrol prices, warning of a countrywide wheel-jam strike if the decision is not withdrawn within 24 hours.

Addressing a press conference, KGCA General Secretary Nadeem Akhtar Arain, flanked by President Malik Sher Khan and Vice President Ayaz Khan, said transporters would shut down goods movement, close offices and launch a nationwide protest in coordination with transport bodies across Pakistan.

He termed the transport sector the "backbone of the economy" and said repeated fuel price hikes had pushed operators into a severe financial crisis. Despite a decline in global oil prices, he added, the relief was not being passed on locally, leading to a sustained increase in transportation costs.

Arain alleged that transporters, drivers and vehicle owners were also facing "unnecessary checks, heavy fines and harassment" by various authorities in multiple regions, further compounding their difficulties.

He warned that any suspension of goods transport would disrupt supply chains nationwide, including the movement of imports and exports from Karachi, Port Qasim and Gwadar, as well as the distribution of fuel, food and medicines.

The KGCA said it had completed consultations with major transport organisations and would soon announce a final protest schedule.

The association urged the prime minister and finance minister to immediately review the fuel pricing decision and address the grievances of transporters to avert a wider economic disruption.