Transporters hike freight rates by 15pc as diesel prices surge

KARACHI: The Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance President, Malik Shahzad Awan has announced a 15 percent increase in freight charges and issued a 48-hour ultimatum for a nationwide strike over rising petroleum prices.

At an emergency meeting of transport leaders led by the Alliance, Malik Shahzad Awan said diesel prices had risen by Rs 65 per liter in 10 days due to the government’s daily pricing mechanism. He said transporters cannot operate with daily fuel hikes and demanded an immediate reduction in petroleum prices.

Awan called on the federal and Balochistan governments to improve law and order in Balochistan. He also urged Islamabad to honor December strike commitments and provide relief on toll tax, withholding tax, motorway fees, and traffic police fines.