KARACHI: Minister for Finance Ishaq Dar has awarded Rs 246.5 million as reimbursement to goods transporters in a ceremony held at Chief Minister House Sindh.
Six years earlier the goods transporters suffered heavy losses to their vehicles burnt during the protest against assassination of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto on December 27, 2007.
The goods transporters have had numerous strikes to pressurize government to compensate their losses. The latest strike continued for more than 10 days during which the entire port activities came to a standstill.
During the previous government’s term former president Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry Mohammad Haroon Agar had asked to resolve genuine problems of transporters. Consequently current President of KCCI Abdullah Zaki also urged the government to immediately negotiate with representatives of goods carriers. Following the demands by the business community, KCCI and transports, the federal government at last has agreed to compensate.
Abdullah Zaki has expressed his gratitude to the government, particularly the Federal Finance Minister Ishaq Dar for resolving the longstanding issues of goods transporters.
He also appreciated United Goods Transporters Alliance for accepting KCCI’s request to consider reducing their demands. He also welcomed the relevant SRO issued by FBR on reducing the rate of withholding tax to Rs 2 per kilogram of the laden weight.
Federal Finance Minister and Sindh Chief Minister Syed Qaim Ali Shah have also paid tribute to President KCCI, Abdullah Zaki and his team for playing a leading role in resolving the issues of Goods Transporters by facilitating negotiations between all stakeholders.
