Talks With Government Succeed as 10-Day Goods Transporters’ Strike Comes to an End

**Karachi (Qudrat News):**
Negotiations between goods transporters and the government have been successful, leading to the immediate end of the strike that had continued for the past 10 days. The Goods Transporters Association announced the withdrawal of the strike after the government accepted most of their demands.

According to a spokesperson of the association, the decision to end the strike was taken after positive assurances from the government, and goods vehicles will resume operations from tonight. The transporters had been demanding amendments to the relevant transport act, withdrawal of FIRs and fines against drivers and vehicle owners, provision of space for 1,000 containers at ports, and clearance of vehicles stranded at the Pak-Afghan border. They also demanded the establishment of mobile units on highways and motorways for issuing LTV and HTV driving licenses.

Goods Transport Association President Malik Shehzad Awan stated that committees formed by the federal government, as well as the Punjab and Sindh governments, assured them that all demands would be accepted. He added that a draft agreement had been signed between the government and the association, and a formal notification would be issued shortly. Malik Shehzad Awan also thanked transporters and supporters for standing united during the protest.

Punjab Minister for Transport Bilal Akbar said that excessive fines and FIRs against transporters had been withdrawn. He visited the Mauripur Truck Terminal in Karachi and met with the President of the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance and other office-bearers. He appreciated the transport community for holding a peaceful strike without any incidents of vandalism.

Bilal Akbar further announced that rest areas would be established for drivers and that fitness certificates issued in Karachi would be recognized in Punjab for six months. He said that penalties would apply only in cases of vehicle faults and revealed that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has directed the establishment of truck stands in every city. He also acknowledged delays in the issuance of driving licenses and assured that qualified drivers would be granted heavy transport vehicle licenses.

Separately, negotiations between transporters and the Sindh government also proved successful. The Mayor of Karachi listened to the transporters’ concerns and assured them that their issues would be resolved. With the end of the strike, improvement in transport conditions and restoration of normal life in the city are expected.