Minister tells transporters: Commitments made during talks would be fulfilled

KARACHI: The All Pakistan Goods Transporters Alliance on Monday hosted a reception for Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan following the successful conclusion of negotiations between the government and transporters.

Aleem Khan was warmly received by the transporters at the reception.

Alliance’s President Malik Shehzad Awan presented the minister with a traditional Sindhi Ajrak and thanked the government for accepting the transporters’ demands.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister assured transporters that all commitments made during the negotiations would be fulfilled.

He said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had tasked him with leading a committee formed to resolve the transporters’ grievances, which had completed its mandate after nine days of negotiations.

The Minister praised the transporters’ leadership for its cooperation and sense of responsibility. Both sides had held lengthy discussions each day before reaching an agreement, he mentioned.

“Transporters play a vital role in the national economy, and their cooperation is essential for the country’s development,” he said.

He assured the transporters that the Motorway Police would not issue unjustified traffic challans and said enforcement would be based on actual violations.

At the same time, he urged transporters to strictly observe prescribed limits on axle loads, vehicle weight and speed.

Aleem Khan said overloaded vehicles not only suffer greater wear and damage but contribute to deterioration of the country’s roads.

The Minister said the government had directed the Communications Secretary, National Highway Authority Chairman and Inspector General of Motorways Police to visit highways and assess transporters’ problems firsthand.

He said complaints concerning highway weigh stations would be addressed promptly and that arrangements were also being made to facilitate the issuance of driving licences through the Motorway Police.

Communication Minister said measures were being introduced to make the National Highway Authority and Motorway Police more responsive and public-friendly institutions.

“If necessary, I will personally stand on the roads and review the problems faced by transporters,” he reassured.

President of Transporters’ Alliance thanked the government and the minister for taking personal interest in resolving the sector’s grievances, saying Aleem Khan’s continued engagement had helped settle the issues through negotiations.

The reception was attended by transporters’ representatives and leaders, including Awais Chaudhry, Imdad Hussain Naqvi, Chaudhry Qamar-ul-Zaman Gill, Azhar Siraj, Rauf Khan Bala, Malik Sher Khan and Malik Haji Farid, among others.

The event followed the suspension of a nationwide goods transport strike after the government gave assurances on several key demands, including toll charges, petroleum pricing, parking issues and axle-load regulations.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026