Pakistan’s goods transporters have urged the federal and Punjab governments to ensure the immediate release of more than 3,000 loaded and empty trucks that they say have been stopped due to security arrangements linked to political protests.
All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance President Malik Shahzad Awan said transporters had given authorities 72 hours to resolve the issue. He warned that the transport community would consult and announce its future course of action if the vehicles were not released within the deadline.
Vehicles Reportedly Stopped In Multiple Areas
According to the transport alliance, freight vehicles have been halted in Islamabad and several areas of Punjab, including Rawalpindi, Mandra, Gujar Khan, Sohawa, Dina, Lahore, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Wazirabad and Sialkot.
Transporters also reported that trucks were stopped in Balkasar, Talagang, Chakwal, Mianwali, Multan and Muzaffargarh, affecting the movement of goods across several trade routes.
The alliance said the reported stoppages were disrupting the normal movement of freight and creating difficulties for transport operators moving goods between different parts of the country.
Trucks Reportedly Released And Detained Again
Awan claimed that around 50 vehicles released from Islamabad were later stopped again in Rawalpindi.
He further said nearly 40 loaded trucks released from Rawalpindi were reportedly detained again in Balkasar, Talagang and Chakwal.
The repeated stoppages, according to the transport body, have added to operational difficulties for truck owners and drivers and delayed the delivery of goods.
Transporters Cite Millions In Daily Losses
The transport alliance said the restrictions were causing losses worth millions of rupees each day and disrupting supply chains.
Delays in freight movement can affect the transportation of commercial goods between production centres, markets and distribution points, increasing costs for transport operators and businesses dependent on timely deliveries.
The alliance has therefore called for the detained vehicles to be released and for the movement of freight to return to normal.
Meetings Held With Government Officials
Awan said meetings had been held with Minister of State for Interior Talal Chaudhry, Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan and Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah to discuss the issue.
He also expressed concern that loaded vehicles had reportedly remained stopped despite instructions from senior Islamabad police officials concerning their release.
The transport alliance has urged both the federal and Punjab governments to intervene and resolve the issue.
Transporters Set 72-Hour Deadline
The All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance has given authorities 72 hours to address the reported detention of the vehicles.
The alliance said transporters from across the country would consult after the deadline before deciding on any further action.
The dispute comes as transport operators seek uninterrupted freight movement and the release of thousands of vehicles carrying or awaiting cargo across Islamabad and Punjab.