Oil prices tumble to three-week low as Trump delays Iran strike

  The Pakistan Goods Transporters Association has raised serious concerns over the volatile and unpredictable daily adjustments in petroleum prices, stating that such frequent fluctuations make it impossible for the transport sector to continue operations smoothly. In a press conference held in Lahore, association officials, led by President Nabeel Mahmood Tariq, articulated a series of demands and grievances that have been mounting over recent months, warning that without immediate government intervention, the entire logistics and supply chain network could face severe disruption. Addressing the media alongside other senior office-bearers of the All Pakistan Goods Transporters Association, Nabeel Mahmood Tariq emphasized that the transportation industry is the backbone of the national economy, responsible for moving essential commodities, industrial raw materials, and consumer goods across the length and breadth of the country. However, he argued that the current pricing mechanism for petroleum products—which has seen almost daily revisions—has created an environment of extreme uncertainty for fleet operators. Unlike larger corporate entities, most truck owners and small transport companies operate on thin profit margins, and without a stable fuel pricing framework, they are unable to quote competitive rates to clients or plan their operational budgets effectively. Tariq pointed out that many transporters have already started grounding their vehicles, as each trip now carries the risk of financial loss if fuel prices rise unexpectedly mid-journey. Beyond fuel prices, the association president laid out a comprehensive list of demands aimed at reducing the financial burden on the sector. First and foremost, he called for an immediate end to unnecessary customs checking at various inter-provincial checkpoints. According to Tariq, these intrusive and repetitive inspections not only cause long delays—sometimes stretching into hours—but also open the door to harassment and bribery, which further inflate the cost of doing business. He urged the federal and provincial governments to streamline customs procedures and adopt a more efficient, technology-driven system that would expedite the movement of goods without compromising security or revenue collection. Another major point of contention raised by Tariq was the recent increase in toll taxes on highways and motorways. He demanded that this hike be rolled back completely, arguing that transporters are already struggling with rising maintenance costs, spare part prices, and tyre rates. The additional toll burden, he said, is simply unsustainable and forces many operators to take longer, less safe alternative routes, which ultimately hurts the overall efficiency of freight movement. Turning his attention to provincial policies, particularly in Punjab, Tariq called for the establishment of new, modern truck terminals across the province. He noted that existing truck stands and loading points are outdated, overcrowded, and lack basic amenities for drivers and helpers. New truck yards, equipped with proper parking, resting areas, workshops, and loading/unloading facilities, would not only improve working conditions but also reduce traffic congestion in urban centers. He also strongly condemned the 300 percent increase in token tax imposed on commercial vehicles in Punjab, labeling it as punitive and counterproductive. He demanded that this excessive tax hike be withdrawn immediately, asserting that it disproportionately affects small owner-operators who form the majority of the association’s membership. In a significant announcement, Nabeel Mahmood Tariq declared that the association fully supports the wheel-jam strike (hunger strike) called for August 8, which has been organized by various transport unions across the country to pressure the government into addressing these long-standing issues. He clarified that this is not a political move but a last-resort measure to draw attention to the existential crisis facing the transport industry. He warned that if the government fails to respond positively before that date, thousands of trucks, trailers, and tankers will park on the roads, effectively paralyzing the movement of food, medicine, fuel, and industrial goods. Such a strike, he cautioned, would have catastrophic consequences for an already fragile economy, leading to shortages, price hikes, and factory closures. Concluding his address, Tariq appealed to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and the chief ministers of all provinces to personally intervene and hold urgent consultations with transport representatives. He reiterated that the industry is not asking for subsidies or charity, but merely for a predictable policy environment, fair taxation, and the elimination of corrupt practices at checkpoints. He expressed hope that the government would act wisely and avert a crisis that benefits no one except speculators and hoarders. The press conference ended with a unanimous resolution passed by the association leaders, vowing to continue their struggle peacefully but firmly until all their legitimate demands are met. The coming days, they warned, will be decisive for the future of Pakistan’s transport sector and, by extension, its entire supply chain.

  Lahore, July 23: Jamaat-e-Islami (JI) Pakistan Secretary General Ameerul Azeem was laid to rest on Thursday following funeral prayers at Mansoorah, Lahore, attended by thousands of mourners from across the country. The funeral prayer was led by JI Emir Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman, who paid rich tribute to the late leader, describing him as a committed worker of Islam who devoted his entire life to religious, political and organizational service. A large number of senior Jamaat-e-Islami leaders, politicians, religious scholars, lawyers, journalists, teachers, traders, representatives of labour and farming communities, civil society members and party workers attended the funeral. Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal, former Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar, former Foreign Minister Khurshid Mahmood Kasuri, former Federal Minister Muhammad Ali Durrani, former Lahore Mayor Khawaja Ahmad Hassan, JUI-F leader Maulana Muhammad Amjad Khan, PML-N leaders Hafiz Nauman and Mian Marghoob, Jamiat Ahl-e-Hadith chief Ibtisam Elahi Zaheer, along with several senior Jamaat-e-Islami office-bearers and district emirs from across Pakistan, were among those present. Representatives of minority communities, including Punjab Minister for Minority Affairs Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora and members of the Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, also attended to offer condolences. Addressing the gathering, Hafiz Naeem ur Rehman said Ameerul Azeem spent his entire life striving for the establishment of Islamic values and remained an example of sincerity, discipline and dedication. He said the late leader was deeply compassionate toward party workers and always remained accessible to every member of the organization. Despite suffering from cancer, he continued fulfilling his organizational responsibilities with determination and never allowed his illness to affect his commitment to the party. The JI chief said Ameerul Azeem believed Jamaat-e-Islami had entered a crucial phase in its struggle and consistently encouraged workers to remain steadfast in pursuing the party’s mission. He prayed that Allah Almighty grant the departed leader the highest place in Jannah and bless his family with patience. Senior JI leader Liaqat Baloch also paid tribute, recalling his more than five-decade association with Ameerul Azeem. He said the late leader’s journey from student politics to one of the party’s highest offices reflected his unwavering dedication, adding that his services would continue to inspire generations of workers. Ameerul Azeem passed away on Wednesday night after a prolonged battle with cancer. Throughout his illness, he remained active in party affairs and continued serving the movement until his final days. Born in Lahore in 1958, Ameerul Azeem earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree from the University of the Punjab. He began his political journey through Islami Jamiat-e-Talaba (IJT), serving as Nazim of IJT Lahore before becoming Nazim-e-Aala of IJT Pakistan. During General Zia-ul-Haq’s rule, he led the movement for the restoration of student unions, endured imprisonment, and was elected Nazim-e-Aala while in jail. He also served as president of the Punjab University Students Union. After transitioning from student politics, he held several important positions within Jamaat-e-Islami, including Emir of Lahore, Emir of Central Punjab, Central Information Secretary and Secretary General of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan on two occasions. In 2019, then JI Emir Sirajul Haq appointed him Secretary General of the party. Remembered for his humility, integrity and organizational abilities, Ameerul Azeem also played a prominent role in the Lawyers’ Movement for the restoration of the judiciary and remained a strong advocate of constitutional supremacy, democratic values and the rule of law. Widely respected across political, social and media circles, he leaves behind a legacy of principled leadership and dedicated public service.