Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar has announced major relief measures for transporters, acknowledging the difficulties faced by the transport industry. During a visit to a truck depot in Karachi’s Maripur area, he held a detailed meeting with the President of the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance and other representatives, where transporters openly expressed their concerns and problems.
Bilal Akbar said that the flood of unnecessary fines and FIRs on transporters was harming the industry, which has been taken immediate notice of and these actions have been stopped. According to him, the government wants the transport sector to be facilitated and not kept under pressure.
Terming the recent strike by the transport community as exemplary, he said that it is a good thing that the protest was completely peaceful and no vandalism or unrest was seen. The Transport Minister thanked the transporters for this attitude and said that the problems can be resolved through dialogue.
Bilal Akbar announced that the establishment of rest areas for the welfare of drivers is among the priorities of the government. He said that the lack of rest facilities for drivers traveling on long routes is a big problem, which will now be resolved in a phased manner.
Explaining the fitness certificate, he said that the fitness certificate issued from Karachi will be recognized in Punjab and this certificate will be valid for six months. With this decision, transporters will not have to go through the fitness stages again and again.
The Transport Minister further said that if a vehicle breaks down during the journey, a fine will be imposed as per the principle, but no unjustified actions will be taken. He said that Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has given clear instructions to establish modern truck stands in every city so that the transport system can be improved.
Talking about the issue of driving license, Bilal Akbar admitted that there are delays and difficulties in obtaining a heavy transport vehicle license. He said that under the upcoming reforms, it will be easier for a person who really has the skills to drive a vehicle to obtain a license.
Transporters welcomed the government’s steps and expressed hope that these decisions would not only support the industry but also reduce the problems of drivers.
