Resumption of fuel supplies Nato suppliers’ wait continues; NOC on hold

RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI: The Nato fuel suppliers have not yet received an NOC from the government to gear up their tankers, as unclear official policies are giving rise to the transporters’ economic frustrations, truckers said on Friday.

Whereas, President Zardari’s political activities in Karachi washed away goods transporters’ hopes for solving their issue of outstanding dues under the head of freight charges against the Nato contractors.

“We [goods transporters] cannot wait anymore as time is running out to see the Sindh Transport Minister Akhtar Hussain Jadoon holds talks with us and solve our financial problem,” Chief Coordinator, National Transport Committee, Waheed Mughal, told Business Recorder. 

He said that Jadoon had fixed Friday for holding meeting with transporters and Nato contractors to solve the dues issue, but backed out of his promise and stayed away from the talks.

“We went to his secretariat to hold meeting with him but he refused to host talks, saying that he has to attend party meeting with President Zardari and will have time on Monday,” he said.

He said goods transporters cannot wait until Monday rather they will hold the meeting of National Transport Committee to draw future line of action, as government’s interest in solving their problems seemed insignificant.

“We are holding meeting of our committee and will take our decision,” he said while hinting at going on strike until the contractors pay their dues.

On the other hand, the fuel suppliers are facing financial stress after the government delayed its official nod to resume transportation to the Nato forces in Afghanistan.

“We cannot comprehend the government’s policies towards the resumption,” spokesman for the association of Nato fuel suppliers, Israr Shinwari told Business Recorder.

He said the government’s moves are unclear and their tankers are still standing in queues for filling. “No official clearance to any tankers has so far been given,” he said.