KARACHI (Kashmir English): Goods transporters have called off their nationwide strike that continued for 10 days after successful negotiations with the government, ending the woes of the transporters.
While speaking to reporters along with Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar and Sindh government’s spokesperson Murtaza Wahab, Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance President Malik Shehzad Awan said that all of our demands have been accepted.
Goods Transporters Association added that the government accepted most of the transporters’ demands, prompting the decision to call off the strike with immediate effect. Vehicle movement is expected to resume from tonight.
The transporters had been demanding amendments to the relevant transport laws, withdrawal of FIRs and fines registered against drivers and vehicle owners, allocation of space for 1,000 containers at ports, and the clearance of vehicles stranded at the Pakistan-Afghan border.
Malik Shehzad Awan said that the goods transporters were calling off their strike on the basis of promises made to them by the authorities.
The transporters were observing the strike against heavy fines, calling on the government to immediately withdraw the Traffic Ordinance 2025.
Speaking on the occasion, the Punjab transport minister appreciated the transport community for holding a peaceful strike. He announced that heavy fines and first information reports (FIRs) against the transporters have been abolished.
Reacting to the transporters’ demands, he said a fitness certificate obtained from Karachi will also be recognised in Punjab. “Fitness certificate will be valid for 6 months,” Akbar announced
