Goods transport owners demand release of containers seized by Islamabad police

Islamabad police seized 100 container vehicles belonging to transporters, ahead of the planned Islamabad long march organized by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and the opposition alliance Tehreek-i-Tahaffuz Ayeen-i-Pakistan (TTAP). The Islamabad High Court recently decided to form a larger bench to hear a petition against the PTI's protest, deeming it sensitive and potentially constitutional in nature.

The seized vehicles and containers, located mainly in Sangjani and Tarnol areas, were allegedly intended to block roads during the anticipated demonstration on September 27. All Pakistan Goods Transport Owners Association President Muhammad Owais Chaudhry expressed concern over the impoundment of the containers, stating they should not be used for political purposes or to obstruct roads during political activities.

Chaudhry further demanded that the Islamabad police or administration rent out empty containers for use during the protest. Some impounded vehicles were reportedly parked in deserted areas, while containers had been removed from others, causing financial losses for their owners. The association also received complaints alleging that some seized vehicles and containers were released after payment, while others remained in police custody.

The group warned the government against impounding the vehicles, arguing that their forced use would create an impression of state coercion, and that the commercial vehicles were meant for trade and economic activity, not for police safety and security purposes.