Key Takeaways
- Karachi Goods Carriers Association (KGCA) threatens nationwide strike.
- Transporters reject government’s latest fuel price increase.
- Association claims ongoing financial crisis due to repeated hikes.
The Karachi Goods Carriers Association (KGCA) has issued a stark warning, threatening a nationwide wheel-jam strike if the government does not reverse its recent decision to hike diesel and petrol prices within 24 hours. The ultimatum was delivered at a press conference by KGCA President Malik Sher Khan, accompanied by General Secretary Nadeem Akhtar Arain and Vice Chairman Ayaz Khan.
Malik Sher Khan highlighted that despite the transport sector's critical role in trade and commerce, it has been consistently neglected. He stated, 'Repeated hikes in diesel and petrol prices have pushed our members into a severe financial crisis.'
Nadeem Akhtar Arain further criticised the government’s fuel pricing policies, asserting they are damaging not only the transport industry but also the broader economy. He added, 'While global oil prices have declined, the benefits have not reached us or the public; instead, transportation costs continue to rise.'
The KGCA leadership also alleged that truck drivers and vehicle owners across Punjab, Balochistan, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, and other parts of Pakistan face unnecessary inspections, heavy fines, bribery demands, and harassment by various government departments. These practices are disrupting transport operations and threatening livelihoods.
In a statement, Khan warned that if the demands are not addressed immediately, goods transport across the country will be suspended. Such a shutdown would severely disrupt the movement of import and export cargo from Karachi Port, Port Qasim, and Gwadar Port. He said, 'Such a strike would have far-reaching consequences for businesses and consumers alike.'
The KGCA’s concerns are not isolated; they echo similar sentiments expressed by transporters across Pakistan who have been grappling with rising operational costs despite falling global oil prices. The government has faced criticism for its inability to pass on the benefits of lower international fuel prices to domestic consumers.
In response, the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources stated that it is monitoring the situation closely but did not provide any immediate plans or actions to address the transporters' concerns. A spokesperson said, 'We are aware of the challenges faced by the transport sector and will continue to work towards finding a balanced solution.'
The threat of a nationwide strike underscores the growing frustration among transporters who feel their voices have been ignored for too long. The KGCA’s ultimatum serves as a reminder that without swift action, the consequences could be severe for Pakistan's economic activities.
Repeated hikes in diesel and petrol prices have pushed our members into a severe financial crisis.
Malik Sher Khan, KGCA President
'While global oil prices have declined, the benefits have not reached us or the public; instead, transportation costs continue to rise.'
Nadeem Akhtar Arain, General Secretary KGCA
