Goods transporters rue seizure of trucks by government
• Claim sector forms backbone of economy, yet not prioritised by govt; allege HTV licences not being given • Police say regulations for HTV licences in place, 7m violations committed by goods vehicles this year ISLAMABAD: As their vehicles are once again being used to stop protesters from reaching Islamabad, truckers have said the government move has not only “paralysed” the economy but also adds…
The trucking industry has expressed deep disappointment over the government's seizure of their vehicles, claiming it has "paralysed" the economy. An estimated 400,000 goods vehicles, excluding oil tankers and mini trucks, are vital to supporting major industries and generating millions of jobs. Despite being a critical sector, the industry alleges unfair taxation, routine truck and container seizures, poor road networks, excessive police and regional transport authority excesses, and issues surrounding the Heavy Transport Vehicle (HTV) licence.
The motorway and traffic police denied many of the allegations, including the absence of a proper HTV licensing regime. The All Pakistan Good Transport Owners Association (APGTOA) President Imdad Hussain Naqvi lamented that their association and the trucks they represent are the government's "least priority." He also called for a separate transport ministry and better road conditions.
The National Highways Authority acknowledged the poor state of roads due to a lack of funding, but denied that any NHA toll plazas were operating on an interim basis.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn - Pakistan's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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