In Islamabad, truck operators are expressing frustration over the government’s use of their vehicles to deter protestors from entering the city. This move, they argue, is exacerbating existing issues in the sector and “crippling” the economy.
Challenges Faced by the Goods Transport Sector
The goods transportation industry, comprising around 400,000 vehicles excluding oil tankers and mini trucks, is a crucial component of the nation’s logistics system, supporting various industries and providing numerous jobs. Despite its importance, industry leaders feel the government neglects their needs.
Truckers have raised concerns over “unjust taxes,” frequent confiscation of vehicles, inadequate road infrastructure, and alleged misconduct by police and transport authorities. They also highlight difficulties in obtaining Heavy Transport Vehicle (HTV) licenses. However, law enforcement agencies refute claims of an ineffective licensing system.
The industry often resorts to strikes to push for their demands, including recent protests over fuel prices and axle-load regulations. These actions sometimes lead to temporary solutions, but the underlying issues persist.
Calls for Government Action
Imdad Hussain Naqvi, President of the All Pakistan Good Transport Owners Association, emphasized the lack of government priority given to their sector, which serves millions daily. He criticized the premature seizure of trucks ahead of a planned protest march on September 27, arguing it disrupts economic activities.
Mr. Naqvi advocates for a dedicated ministry for transportation, separate from the Ministry of Communications, to address the sector’s challenges effectively. He also pointed out that most truck drivers hold Light Transport Vehicle (LTV) licenses due to the complex process of upgrading to HTV licenses, a claim dismissed by traffic authorities.
Other industry leaders, such as Muhammad Rafiq Khan of the All Pakistan Friends Traders and Trucks/Dumpers Owners Association, accuse weigh stations of corruption, while Malik Shafaullah Awan from the Transport Alliance highlights the high toll taxes and fuel levies truckers face.
Official Response and Road Conditions
The motorway police have rejected many of the truckers’ allegations, asserting their commitment to enforcing traffic laws and ensuring road safety. They report identifying and addressing over 7 million traffic violations by goods vehicles this year, including numerous axle load breaches.
The National Highways Authority (NHA) acknowledges the poor condition of roads due to limited funding. With 14,480 kilometers of roads under its jurisdiction, the NHA collected Rs128 billion in tolls last year but received only Rs9 billion for maintenance from the government.
NHA officials clarified that their funds are also allocated to roads in areas like Balochistan, where toll collection is minimal. They denied claims of interim management at any toll plazas, stating that 63 out of 183 are managed by the Frontier Works Organisation, with the remainder under NHA supervision.
