Transporters Claim Rs. 800 Million Losses Amid Islamabad Vehicle Seizures
The All Pakistan Goods Transport Owners Association has claimed that goods transporters have suffered losses of around Rs. 800 million following the seizure of more than 1,000 commercial vehicles in Islamabad.
The association says the vehicles were taken into custody as authorities moved to prevent protests and sit-ins from disrupting major roads.
More Than 1,000 Vehicles Seized
Association President Muhammad Owais Chaudhry said more than 1,000 vehicles have been seized in Islamabad.
The vehicles include container carriers, flatbed trailers, Mazda trucks and 10-wheelers.
He said similar seizures have also been reported in Rawalpindi, Jatli, Tarnol, Mandi Bahauddin and other areas.
According to the association, many of the vehicles were carrying commercial goods when they were detained.
Transporters Raise Concerns Over Cargo
Chaudhry said keeping loaded vehicles at different locations for extended periods could expose the cargo to damage and may also delay deliveries.
He urged the authorities to release loaded vehicles immediately to prevent additional financial losses for transporters and cargo owners.
The association has also called for complete records of all detained vehicles to be prepared.
Compensation Sought for Seized Vehicles
Chaudhry claimed that the government is reportedly hiring vehicles and paying around Rs. 20,000 per day, but said transporters have not been directly contacted regarding compensation for the vehicles taken into custody.
He called for any compensation to be distributed through a transparent process so that payments reach the actual vehicle owners.
For empty commercial vehicles, the association has demanded compensation of at least Rs. 20,000 per day for the period they remain detained.
Drivers Also Need Basic Facilities
The transporters’ association also raised concerns about drivers who have remained with their vehicles at different locations.
Chaudhry called for drivers and detained vehicles to be provided with food, protection and other basic facilities during the period of detention.
He also opposed the use of privately owned commercial vehicles for managing protests and sit-ins.
Demand for Immediate Release
The association has asked the government to obtain complete records of vehicles held at police stations and calculate compensation according to the number of days each vehicle has remained detained.
It has also urged authorities to release the vehicles as soon as possible to limit further losses to the transport sector.
The Rs. 800 million loss figure is the association’s estimate and represents its assessment of the financial impact on transporters.
