A delegation of the All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance met Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, to discuss parking facilities, axle load regulations, and the implementation of agreements reached during the nationwide transporters’ strike in August, it was reported on Thursday.
Led by Alliance President Malik Shahzad Awan, the delegation included Nisar Hussain Jafri, Bakhtawar Khan Wazir, and Umar Farooq. The meeting was held at the minister’s office in Islamabad.
The transporters thanked Junaid Anwar Chaudhry for his cooperation in resolving parking issues and appreciated the ministry’s efforts to fulfill commitments made during the August strike.
Malik Shahzad Awan said the delegation held detailed discussions with the minister regarding compensation for vehicles and containers halted during the protests, as well as the implementation of agreements reached with the government. He said the minister had assured the delegation that commitments made by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs during the August strike would be honored.
Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said he stood by the promises made to transporters and that the government would work to ensure implementation of the agreements.
The minister said 17 acres of land remained available for parking facilities, while the transporters said the Sindh government was now an obstacle to providing parking facilities for local transporters. Junaid Anwar Chaudhry also reaffirmed the commitment to allocate 600 acres of land along the Northern Bypass for a truck stand.
Regarding axle load management, the minister said the issue would be resolved through consultation between the ports and transporters.
Subsequently, Malik Shahzad Awan stressed the need for strict implementation of axle load regulations at Karachi Port and Port Qasim, saying the survival of the transport sector depended on their enforcement.
He expressed gratitude to the minister for assurances regarding parking facilities and axle load regulations, adding that the alliance would remain in contact with the government over implementation of the agreements.
