Transport fares across Pakistan have been increased by 3 percent following a rise in petroleum product prices, according to the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance.
Malik Shahzad Awan, President of the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance, announced the increase and said transporters nationwide strongly condemn the federal government’s decision to raise petroleum prices.
“We are announcing a three percent increase in fares,” Awan said. “When petroleum prices go up, every Pakistani is affected. The federal government and the Punjab government are trying to push transporters against the wall.”
Awan stated that transporters had previously carried out a nationwide strike due to what he described as incorrect policies by the federal and Punjab governments. He said agreements made during the previous strike have not been implemented.
He specifically referred to agreements made with the Federal Minister for Ports and Shipping and the Federal Minister for Communications, saying those commitments were not fulfilled.
He also said agreements reached under the direction of the Chief Minister of Punjab, involving Senior Punjab Minister Maryam Aurangzeb and the Transport Minister, have not been implemented either.
Awan warned that if the promises made to transporters are not honored, they will once again launch a nationwide peaceful strike. He added that the federal government, the Punjab government, and the Sindh government would be responsible for any resulting losses.
He concluded by demanding that all commitments made to transporters during the previous strike be fulfilled.
