PML-N clinches nine of 13 AJK seats

  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.