Transporters end strike after talks with Punjab governor

LAHORE: The All Pakistan Transport Owners Federation (APTOF) on Thursday announced an end to the countrywide strike after successful negotiations were held with Punjab Governor Chaudhry Ghulam Sarwar who assured them that their issues will be resolved by the month's end.

After a meeting was held between members of the transport alliance and the provincial government during which Sarwar convinced transporters that their issues will be resolved by January 31, the APTOF said they were ending the countrywide strike.

The transporters went on strike today (Thursday) after the government announced imposition of heavy fines on violation of rules and regulations. Last year in November, the Federal Cabinet had given approval for a massive increase in fines on highways and motorways.

An eight-member committee comprising representatives from the government and transport alliance have been formed to solve the crisis that was caused by the government's act of imposition of heavy fines.

Sarwar announced the release of all drivers and conductors who were arrested by police.

"We are ending the strike after being given assurances [that the crisis will be solved] by the governor," he said. "We hope our problems will be solved soon." The government had decided to increase the fine which was Rs750 across the board for every violation to Rs1,500 for motorbikes found guilty of overspeeding, Rs2,500 for cars, Rs5,000 for trucks and Rs10,000 for public service vehicles, according to a report.

Other fines included Rs1,500 if motorcycles and cars were found to be overtaking other vehicles. While those car drivers and motorcyclists who are found taking a wrong U-turn would have had to pay Rs1,000, while heavy vehicles would have been fined Rs3,000.

Federal Minister for Communications and Postal Services Murad Saeed had announced in parliament that the government had taken back the decision to impose heavy fines after the strike. Murad had said the government had taken the decision to bring down the number of accidents to 50 percent.