The Karachi Goods Carriers Association (KGCA) has rejected the government’s recent increase in diesel and petrol prices, as well as the current fuel pricing mechanism, warning that if the decision is not reversed within 24 hours, it will bring goods transportation across the country to a halt, shut down its offices, and launch a nationwide protest in coordination with all major transport organizations.
Addressing a press conference alongside KGCA President Malik Sher Khan, Vice Chairman and Vice President Ayaz Khan, KGCA General Secretary Nadeem Akhtar Arain said that Pakistan’s transport sector is the backbone of the national economy, yet it continues to be neglected.
He said that repeated increases in diesel and petrol prices have pushed transporters into a severe financial crisis.
He added that despite a decline in global oil prices, the benefits are not passed on to the public or transporters in Pakistan, resulting in continuously rising transportation costs.
According to him, the government’s current policies have created difficulties not only for the transport industry but also for the country’s overall economy.
Nadeem Akhtar Arain alleged that drivers and vehicle owners involved in the goods transport sector in Punjab, Balochistan, Azad Kashmir, and other regions are facing unnecessary inspections, heavy fines, alleged bribery demands, and harassment by various government agencies.
He claimed that the actions of different departments are severely affecting transporters’ businesses, while unfair treatment of drivers has become routine.
The Karachi Goods Carriers Association urged the Prime Minister, the Finance Minister, and the relevant authorities to immediately review the recent decision regarding diesel and petrol prices, resolve the issues facing transporters, and take emergency measures to address the challenges confronting the country’s largest freight transport sector in order to avert a potential crisis.
