Goods transporters end strike after successful talks with govt

KARACHI: Sindh Governor Imran Ismail on Monday announced that goods transporters have decided to end their strike after holding successful negotiations with the government.

Addressing media long with goods transporters leaders at the Mauripur truck stand, the governor said all of their demands have been accepted by the government and will be resolved soon.

Cargo supplies across the country came to a halt since last week when goods transporters suspended their operations in protest over a hefty increase in fines and the axle load control regime.

Transporters have complained that the decision of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) over the matter is not being implemented. They demanded the implementation of the IHC order with regard to the enforcement of the axle load management. They also demand the resignation of Communications Minister Murad Saeed.

Transporters said that they decided to halt the cargo supply as a last resort after several appeals had failed to convince authorities to take action. Cargo vehicles have had been parked resulting in suspension of transport of consignments from the Port Qasim and Keamari Port as well as supplies of vegetables, fruits and medicines to various parts of the country.

According to an estimate over 300,000 goods transport vehicles run across the country, while over 17,000 cargo vehicles run from Karachi to upcountry daily. The strike has been ongoing for eight consecutive days inflicting huge losses to the economy. 

According to estimates, grocery vendors have faced losses worth $1.5 million. More than 45,000 containers have been stuck at the Karachi ports affecting the import and export supplies.