Pakistan Mini Mazda Association delegation meets LCCI President

Pakistan Mini Mazda Association (PMMA) delegation led by its Central President Tanveer Ahmed Jutt, met Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Faheem ur Rehman Saigol here Friday.
During the meeting, detailed discussions were held regarding the issues faced by transporters across the country, rising operational costs, the impact of policies, increases in taxes and fees, matters related to toll plazas, and the future of the transport sector.
The delegation also included transporter leaders from various districts and provinces who highlighted the challenges faced by the sector. They stated that the transport industry is currently under pressure and that if immediate measures are not taken, it will have negative effects on national trade, industry, and the transportation of essential goods.
Participants in the delegation included Patron-in-Chief Altaf Makhan Pehlwan, Central Vice Presidents Chaudhry Arshad Gujjar and Usman Khan, senior leader Izhar-ul-Hassan Chohan, and Rana Shahid.
On this occasion, LCCI President Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol said, transport sector serves as the backbone of the national economy and that an active and stable transport industry is essential for the continuity of commercial activities. He said that under the current economic conditions, transporters are already facing increased costs of fuel, vehicle spare parts, repairs, and other expenses, and that the imposition of new taxes and fees is creating additional difficulties for them.
He demanded the immediate removal of illegal and excessive toll plazas established across the country, stating that they impose an additional financial burden on transporters, which ultimately affects the prices of essential commodities. He said that recent increase in transfer fees is unjustified and should be withdrawn immediately so that small and medium-sized transporters can receive relief.
Faheem Ur Rehman Saigol also expressed concerns over the 200 percent increase in token tax, stating that this decision has become an unbearable burden for the transport community. He urged the government to review the decision and provide immediate relief to transporters. He said, relevant stakeholders should be taken into confidence before making such decisions so that policymaking reflects ground realities.
He stated that restoration of Mini Mazda service is the need of the hour because the livelihoods of millions of families are directly and indirectly linked to this sector. According to him, Mini Mazda vehicles are an important part of the country’s goods transportation system, and any decline in their operations is affecting business activities.
Lahore Chamber President also emphasized that in cases involving non-custom-paid goods, action should be taken against the owners and responsible individuals rather than confiscating the vehicles. He said that stopping or seizing vehicles merely on the basis of the goods being transported is unfair to transporters who are only engaged in transporting cargo for hire.
On this occasion, Pakistan Mini Mazda Association Central President Tanveer Ahmed Jutt said that transporters have always played an important role in keeping the national economy moving. However, he regreted that their issues continue to be ignored. He stated that a previous strike had been called off on the assurance of the provincial government, but no promise made to them had been fulfilled yet.
He said that the legitimate demands of transporters remain unresolved and that government institutions are repeatedly delaying matters through assurances. He added that the continuous increase in petroleum prices, toll taxes, heavy fines, and other expenses have become serious challenges for the transport industry, making it increasingly difficult to continue business operations.
Tanveer Ahmed Jutt stated that detailed consultations have been completed with goods transport organizations and relevant associations across the country, and a consensus has been reached on a joint future course of action. He announced that if their demands are not accepted immediately accept, a nationwide wheel-jam strike will be launched.
He clarified that transporters will, while keeping public difficulties in mind, make every possible effort to continue the transportation of food items, medicines, and other essential goods. However, he said that the government must take serious measures to resolve the issues faced by the transporter community.
Tanveer Ahmed Jutt said that transporters believe in resolving issues through dialogue and, in this spirit, accept Lahore Chamber President Faheem ur Rehman Saigol as a mediator between the government and transporters. He hoped that efforts of Lahore Chamber would result in a practical solution acceptable to transporters, traders, and the government alike.
He further stated that transporters across the country are united in their struggle for their rights. He urged the government to take immediate, effective, and long-term measures to resolve the issues facing the transport sector, as it plays a fundamental role in the stability of the country’s trade, industry, and economy.