Key Takeaways
- Truck owners demand release of containers seized by Islamabad police.
- The containers are being used to block roads during the PTI’s long march.
- The All Pakistan Goods Transport Owners Association warns against political use of seized vehicles.
Truck owners in Pakistan have demanded the release of containers seized by Islamabad police, as tensions rise ahead of a planned long march by the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) party.
The Pakistan Transport Owners Association President, Muhammad Owais Chaudhry, expressed concern over the seizure of around 100 container vehicles from different areas of Islamabad, including Sangjani and Tarnol.
Chaudhry stated that the containers were being kept to possibly block roads during the anticipated protest, and called for the release of the containers for rent in and around the federal capital.
The association received complaints from transporters alleging that some seized vehicles and containers were released after money was paid, while several others remained in police custody.
Chaudhry emphasized that the transporters’ opposition to the impounding of vehicles should not be construed as a political link with the PTI, as the commercial vehicles were meant for trade and economic activity, not for safety and security purposes.
The Islamabad High Court has decided to form a larger bench to hear a petition against the PTI’s planned protest, terming the matter sensitive and observing that it could have constitutional implications.
The PTI, with the support of the opposition alliance, Tehreek-i-Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP), has announced a long march towards Islamabad to demand the release of party founder and ex-premier Imran Khan, who is currently in custody.
The association warned the government against impounding the vehicles, saying their forced use for political purposes created an impression of state coercion.
The transporters are demanding a transparent investigation into the allegations and a fair resolution to the issue, to prevent further financial losses and business difficulties.
The containers were being kept to possibly to block roads during the anticipated protest.
Muhammad Owais Chaudhry, All Pakistan Goods Transport Owners Association President
We had to facilitate the transporters in removing the goods from the containers — because the authorities do not take responsibility for the loss or damage to the cargo.
Muhammad Owais Chaudhry, All Pakistan Goods Transport Owners Association President
