Balochistan Goods Truck Association Backs Nationwide Transport Strike on August 8

Quetta: The Balochistan Goods Truck Association has announced its support for the proposed nationwide goods transport strike scheduled for August 8, citing concerns over rising diesel prices, alleged extortion on national highways, and security challenges faced by transporters.

Addressing a press conference at the Quetta Press Club, Association President Haji Noor Muhammad Shahwani said the frequent increase in diesel prices has placed a heavy financial burden on goods transport operators. He urged the government to revise fuel prices on a monthly, rather than a daily, basis to allow transporters to better plan their business operations.

Shahwani also called on the government to compensate owners of trucks that were destroyed in attacks on national highways in Balochistan. He further demanded an end to what he described as the harassment of truck drivers at security checkpoints.

Expressing concern over the alleged increase in extortion incidents on national highways, he urged the authorities to take immediate steps to eliminate the practice and ensure adequate security for transporters.

The association also demanded a reduction in the number of toll plazas and toll tax rates, the withdrawal of traffic fines imposed on national highways in Punjab and Sindh, and the fixation of legal weight limits at 40 tonnes for 10-wheeler trucks and 17 tonnes for mini Mazda trucks.

Shahwani said the association’s demands are aimed at protecting the transport sector and supporting the country’s economy. He confirmed that the Balochistan Goods Truck Association would fully participate in and support the nationwide goods transport strike on August 8.