Transport owners end strike after successful negotiation with Punjab govt

LAHORE (92 News) – Transport owners announced to end strike after successful negotiation with Punjab government after a day strike against hefty fines being imposed by the authorities on the motorway and highways across the country on Thursday. The government has taken time for a month to resolve the problems of transporters. Minister for Communication Murad Saeed said that the purpose of hefty fines is not for revenue, whereas, it is effort to decrease the number of accidents. He said that the raise of fines has been stopped for temporarily. The negotiations of transporters became successful with Punjab Governor Chaudhry Sarwar. The government has formed the four member committees which will review the problems of transporters. Earlier in the day, transport owners observed a strike against hefty fines being imposed by the authorities on the motorway and highways across the country. The strike is being observed in several cities, including Lahore, Faisalabad, Multan and Peshawar. The protesters also staged a sit-in in different cities. The supply of milk and vegetables was suspended due to the strike, creating problems for the people. In Lahore, the Mini-Mazda Association took out rallies across the city. The protesters demanded immediate withdrawal the hefty fines and additional toll tax. They demanded immediate implementation of excel weight schedule. “We are already paying taxes in millions and how we can pay more taxes,” they said. The protesters demanded an immediate end to new toll plazas. They also demanded that the route permit period should be extended to three years.