LAHORE: In a relentless demonstration that has paralyzed the National Highway and Super Highway, transporters have been staging a protest on Link Road for several days, demanding the repeal of the hefty upto 5,000-rupee fine per oil tanker.
The protest has garnered immense attention, with participants increasing their numbers by bringing in an additional 500 oil tankers today.
Tariq Wazir Ali, Chairman of Oil Marketing of Pakistan (OMAP), has voiced his apprehension regarding the ongoing protest.
He expressed his concerns about the lack of attention and resolution towards this massive demonstration, which has brought thousands of vehicles to a standstill.
“These relentless protests have created a severe disruption on our vital transportation routes,” Tariq Wazir stated.
The demonstration initially began as a response to the exorbitant 5,000-rupee extortion imposed on each tanker for what they deem as unjust reasons.
With no end in sight for this unlawful blockade, Chairman Tariq Wazir Ali reiterated that the protest would persist until their demands are met. He said the extortion is an additional burden on the consumers already facing rising inflation.
“They must not be compelled to resort to harsh and nationwide protests. Our future, along with the livelihoods of millions of families, is entwined with the heavy transport industry,” Chairman Tariq Wazir Ali said. He pointed out that the ongoing disruption is causing immense hardship to ordinary citizens, leading to shortages of petroleum products and inflation concerns.
The Chairman also highlighted the critical role that heavy transport plays in the livelihoods of countless families, with many depending on the industry for their daily bread and butter. “It seems like efforts are being made to snatch away the daily bread from our children,” he lamented.
As the protests continue to escalate, the government faces mounting pressure to engage with the transporters and address their grievances. The blockade has already caused shortages of petroleum products, threatening to exacerbate the country’s economic challenges.
Chairman Tariq Wazir Ali concluded by emphasizing the need for a swift and peaceful resolution to the ongoing protesters’ issue. He called on the authorities to open a dialogue with the transporters to find a solution that safeguards the interests of both the industry and the general public.
As the standoff between transporters and the government persists, all eyes remain on the evolving situation, hoping for a resolution that will alleviate the hardships faced by both the transporters and the citizens affected by this disruption.
