KARACHI: The President of the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance, Malik Shahzad Awan, has strongly reacted to the recent increase in petroleum product prices, announcing a five percent hike in goods transport fares and warning of a potential shutdown of the transport sector if government policies are not reviewed.
In an official statement, Awan said that transporters across the country unequivocally condemn the price hike. He further demanded that the federal government abolish toll taxes, withholding tax, and all challans (fines) issued by motorway and traffic police.
“Due to the wrong policies of the federal government, several thousand of our transporters are parking their vehicles,” Awan stated. He noted that petroleum prices are being increased continuously without any relief for goods transporters, adding that the current subsidy of Rs 80,000 for truck trailers is grossly inadequate.
Awan elaborated on the financial burden, saying, “The continuous increase in petroleum prices has added an extra Rs 200,000 per round trip for our trawlers. Since our truck trawlers make four trips per month, our expenses have risen by Rs 800,000.” He warned that rising fuel costs are also driving inflation upward across the country.
The alliance president further stated that vehicles are being operated at a loss in the wider interest of the country, and that the ongoing war situation has severely affected the transport business. “If the federal government does not review its policies, Pakistan’s transport will come to a standstill,” he cautioned.
