Cargo traffic remain suspended as transporters' strike enters seventh day

KARACHI: Cargo supplies remained suspended across the country on Sunday as goods transporters’ strike continued on a Seventh consecutive day, ARY News reported.

Goods transporters’ across the country would continue their peaceful strike until the fulfilment of demands, said the spokesperson of goods transporters’.

He said that the supply of imported goods, including industrial and construction machinery, will remain suspended until the demands are met. Sindh Governor Imran Ismail had met representatives of transporters on Jan 7 to bring them round to calling off their strike.

Cargo supplies across the country came to a halt on Monday when goods transporters suspended their operations in protest over hefty increase in fines.

Transporters have complained that the decision of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) over the matter is not being implemented. The government and the Motorway Police refusing to follow the Axle Load SRO 2000, transporters complained. They demanded implementation of the IHC order with regard to the enforcement of the Axle Load Management.

Transporters said that they decided to halt the cargo supply as a last resort after their several appeals had failed to convince the authorities to take action over their concerns.

After transporters decision to continue their strike, cargo vehicles have been parked at roads resulting in suspension of transport of consignments from the Port Qasim and Karachi 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 17000 cargo vehicles run from Karachi to upcountry daily.

The Afghan Transit Trade transporters and All Karachi Tyre Association have also extend their support to the goods transporters.