By Commerce Reporter
LAHORE – Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) Acting President Tanveer Ahmad Sheikh has urged the federal government to immediately resolve the ongoing issues between the authorities and the All Pakistan Goods Transport Ittehad to prevent further disruption to the country’s economy.
Expressing concern over the nationwide wheel-jam strike announced by goods transporters, Tanveer Ahmad Sheikh said the transport sector was the backbone of Pakistan’s economy and any prolonged shutdown could create serious challenges for trade, industry, exports and supply chains.
He stressed that the government and transporters should engage in meaningful negotiations and find a workable solution at the earliest to avoid losses to businesses and consumers.
“The goods transport sector plays a vital role in ensuring uninterrupted supply of essential commodities, industrial raw materials and export consignments. Any prolonged disruption can have far-reaching consequences for the national economy,” he said.
The LCCI Acting President said that while the government had assured cooperation in addressing transporters’ concerns, practical measures were required to resolve the issues instead of allowing the matter to escalate.
He highlighted that the transport community had raised important concerns, including implementation of axle-load limits, taxation issues, diesel price adjustments and other operational challenges. These matters, he added, required serious consideration through consultation with all stakeholders.
Tanveer Ahmad Sheikh urged the Ministry of Communications and other relevant departments to accelerate the dialogue process and ensure that a mutually acceptable solution was reached immediately.
“The business community cannot afford another crisis at a time when industries and traders are already facing multiple challenges. The government must take urgent steps to restore normalcy and protect economic activities,” he added.
He said that smooth transportation of goods was essential for maintaining market stability and controlling inflation, as any interruption in supply chains could increase costs for businesses and consumers.
The LCCI Acting President also called upon the transporters to continue negotiations with the government in the larger national interest while expressing hope that both sides would demonstrate flexibility and resolve the matter peacefully.
“The country’s economic recovery depends on stability, uninterrupted trade and industrial activity. All stakeholders must work together to avoid any situation that may harm the economy,” he maintained.
The talks between the federal government and the All Pakistan Goods Transport Ittehad held in Islamabad ended without an agreement on Tuesday, after which transporters announced that their nationwide wheel-jam strike would continue until their demands were accepted.
The transporters have demanded effective implementation of legally prescribed axle-load limits, relief in taxes, monthly revision of diesel prices instead of frequent adjustments, and resolution of other issues affecting the goods transport sector.
Tanveer Ahmad Sheikh reiterated that resolving the dispute immediately was in the interest of the country and urged the authorities to take concrete steps before the situation caused further economic difficulties.
