Transporters to halt freight movement on August 8

KARACHI:

With negotiations yet to resolve long-standing grievances, the All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance has announced a nationwide peaceful strike on August 8, calling on the federal and provincial governments to immediately address the transport sector's outstanding demands.

A delegation led by Alliance President Malik Shahzad Awan met Additional Inspector General of Motorway Police Javed Akbar Riaz on the instructions of Inspector General Chaudhry Sultan.

According to Malik Shahzad Awan, the meeting focused on transporters' concerns over what they described as unjustified motorway police fines and the implementation of axle-load regulations. Both sides discussed ensuring the law is enforced uniformly and fairly across the country, while the Motorway Police pledged to play an active role in preventing overloading.

The delegation also held detailed discussions on determining appropriate weight limits for 10-wheeler trucks. In addition, they reviewed commitments made by the Secretary Communications, the Chairman of the National Highway Authority (NHA), and the Inspector General of Motorway Police during the nationwide transport strike held in December.

Reaffirming the transporters' position, Malik Shahzad Awan said the peaceful nationwide strike on August 8 would go ahead unless the federal and provincial governments accept the alliance's demands and fulfil the assurances previously made.