Goods Transporters Call Off Strike After Reaching Accord with Authorities

Transporters End Strike After Successful Dialogue with Officials

In a welcome turn of events for Pakistan’s trade and business sectors, goods transporters have ended their nationwide strike following fruitful discussions with government authorities in Karachi.

As the protest entered its fourth day, the country’s logistics operations were seriously impacted, bringing commercial transportation to a standstill. This standstill severely affected trade activities, interrupted supply chains, and placed additional strain on an already delicate economy.

The protest was sparked by the Sindh government’s decision to enforce newly revised vehicle fitness standards strictly. These regulations, introduced to address the rising number of traffic accidents in Karachi, had caused the suspension of goods movement, leaving thousands of cargo containers immobile at key ports and storage facilities. Exporters and importers raised serious concerns about potential financial and operational losses.

The new vehicle fitness policy came in the wake of a notable increase in fatal road accidents in Karachi, especially those involving heavy-duty vehicles like dumpers and water tankers.

Commissioner Karachi, Syed Hassan Naqvi, told Dawn.com that the transporters’ association had pledged full support to both the provincial government and traffic authorities. “They have agreed to address mechanical issues in heavy vehicles within a designated timeline,” he said.

The transporters have committed to submitting weekly compliance reports to the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of the traffic police. Furthermore, a statement from the commissioner’s office confirmed that “no unfit vehicle will be allowed on the roads.”

The administration has agreed to release all impounded heavy vehicles immediately, except those deemed unroadworthy. In such cases, vehicle owners must submit a formal affidavit confirming that their vehicles will not re-enter service until approved by the motor vehicle inspection department.

Tariq Gujjar, President of the Transport Goods Association (TGA), said that the government acknowledged their concerns as genuine and granted them a six-month grace period to comply with the updated vehicle fitness standards and implement broader safety measures to reduce accidents in Karachi.

Gujjar also noted that Commissioner Naqvi announced an increase in the number of motor vehicle inspectors, which has now reached 25. Another 25 inspectors will soon be recruited to ease the pressure on the current system and speed up the process of issuing fitness certificates.

These inspectors will also visit transporter offices to issue digital fitness certificates on-site, making the process more efficient and accessible.

To address the issue in the long term, the TGA has recommended relocating Karachi’s congested warehouse zones—including Saddar and Tariq Road—to the outskirts of the city. This move aims to decongest traffic and reduce the risk of accidents.

The association also proposed constructing dedicated heavy vehicle lanes in industrial areas and establishing separate motorcycle tracks on main roads to enhance traffic safety.

Gujjar added that Sindh Local Government Minister Saeed Ghani assured them of Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah’s serious commitment to resolving the problem. Business associations had also reached out to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to address the complications that arose from the sudden enforcement of the transport regulations by the Sindh government.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why were goods transporters on strike in Pakistan?

The strike was triggered by the Sindh government’s strict enforcement of new vehicle fitness standards, which transporters believed were implemented abruptly without proper coordination.

2. How did the strike affect the economy and logistics?

It brought goods transport to a halt, leaving thousands of containers stuck at ports and warehouses, disrupting trade and supply chains, and worsening economic instability.

3. What agreement was reached to end the strike?

The authorities agreed to release most of the impounded vehicles, increase the number of fitness inspectors, and grant a six-month timeline for implementing necessary changes.

4. What safety concerns prompted the government’s new policies?

A sharp rise in road accidents, particularly involving dumpers and tankers in Karachi, led to the introduction of stricter vehicle inspection rules to ensure road safety.

5. What are the long-term solutions being discussed?

Proposals include relocating warehouses to city outskirts, constructing exclusive routes for heavy vehicles, and reserving separate tracks for motorcycles to prevent accidents.