Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan and President of the All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance Malik Shehzad Awan have successfully concluded negotiations over the issues faced by transporters.
In a joint video statement, Bilal Akbar Khan and Malik Shehzad Awan announced the successful outcome of the talks. The Punjab transport minister said that all loaded vehicles stopped across Punjab due to the protest would be released immediately. He added that steps would also be taken to compensate the owners of vehicles for losses incurred during the stoppage.
Bilal Akbar Khan assured transporters that all agreements reached between the Punjab government and the transport community during the nationwide strike in August would be implemented.
Malik Shehzad Awan said the transport minister had assured them that their legitimate demands and concerns would be addressed. In view of the government’s assurances, transporters have agreed to extend the deadline given during the August strike, allowing the Punjab government until October 15 to fulfil its commitments.
He further said that, under the August agreement, implementation would be ensured across Punjab of the decision allowing 35 tonnes of weight for 10-wheeler vehicles. Transporters, he added, would not face unnecessary obstacles in this regard.
According to Malik Shehzad Awan, work on the commitment to introduce a direct HTV driving licence would also begin soon. Measures would also be taken to prevent transporters from being unnecessarily harassed by officials from the RT Secretary, PT Secretary, Food Department and Patrol Police.
Transport leader Bakhtawar said coordination with the relevant government departments would be strengthened to ensure the immediate resolution of transporters’ problems. He expressed hope that all commitments made during the August strike would be fully implemented by October 15.
Malik Shehzad Awan thanked Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan for the positive progress on the transporters’ demands and said negotiations and coordination with the Punjab government would continue to resolve the community’s outstanding issues.
The negotiations were also attended by Nisar Hussain Jafri, Bakhtawar Khan and Pir Mushtaq.
