Goods transporters demand release of 700 vehicles detained by police

President of Goods Transport Ittehad Malik Shahzad Awan said the continued detention of the vehicles was causing concern among transporters.

He urged the federal and Punjab governments to release all containers and other vehicles without further delay.

The demand comes amid concerns over goods stuck inside the detained vehicles and the possible financial losses faced by transporters and businesses.

Around 700 containers reportedly detained

According to Shahzad Awan, around 700 containers have been retained by Islamabad and Punjab Police. He said the containers were carrying goods worth crores of rupees. The detained cargo reportedly includes edible items, medicines, and materials required by key industries.

The transporters’ representative warned that keeping the containers for a longer period could affect the condition of some goods. He particularly expressed concern about medicines and food items that may have limited shelf lives or require proper storage conditions.

Concerns over medicines and food items

Shahzad Awan apprehended that medicines and edible items inside the detained containers could expire or deteriorate if the vehicles remained held for an extended period. He said any damage to the cargo could cause losses for both transporters and businesses whose goods were being transported.

The issue could also affect the supply of essential products if the detained cargo cannot reach its intended destinations on time. Transporters have therefore called for quick action to prevent further delays and possible damage to the goods.

Transporters seek action from federal, Punjab governments

The transporters’ leadership urged both the federal and Punjab governments to intervene in the matter.

Shahzad Awan said the vehicles were reportedly not being released despite orders from Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi.

He called for the immediate implementation of the orders and the release of the detained vehicles. The transporters also warned that the federal and Punjab governments would be responsible for any losses suffered by transporters or owners of the detained goods.

Warning over economic losses

Shahzad Awan said the continued detention of goods vehicles could have wider economic consequences. He argued that the transport sector plays an important role in moving goods across the country and supporting businesses.

“The federal government should look to alternative arrangements to stop the protest instead of taking hostage the economy”.

He said transport vehicles should not be caught up in political or protest-related disputes. According to him, stopping goods vehicles affects not only transporters but also businesses and industries that depend on regular deliveries.

Goods transport sector called backbone of economy

Shahzad Awan described goods transport as the backbone of the national economy. He said the sector should not be used in political matters because its primary role is to keep goods moving across the country.

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“Our vehicles are not to block the roads but to run the national economy,” he added.

His remarks highlighted the transport industry’s position that commercial vehicles should remain focused on carrying goods rather than becoming part of political disputes.

Industrial supplies among detained cargo

The transporters’ representative said the detained containers were carrying a wide range of goods.

These reportedly included edible items as well as materials required by important industries. Delays in the movement of industrial materials can affect supply chains and business operations.

Transporters said the longer the vehicles remain detained, the greater the risk of financial losses for companies and cargo owners. They urged authorities to consider the possible economic impact while dealing with the ongoing situation.

Businesses could face supply problems

The detention of hundreds of containers could also create problems for businesses waiting for their shipments. Food products and other essential items may need to reach markets within a certain period to avoid shortages or quality issues.

Industrial units may also depend on the timely delivery of raw materials and other supplies. Transporters said the situation should therefore be resolved quickly to minimise disruption to commercial activity.

Transporters call for alternative arrangements

Shahzad Awan urged the government to find alternative ways to deal with the protest instead of retaining commercial vehicles. He said measures taken to manage a protest should not disrupt the movement of essential goods or place unnecessary financial pressure on transporters and businesses.

The transporters’ leadership wants the authorities to separate commercial transportation from political and protest-related activity. They have called for the release of the detained vehicles so that the goods can continue towards their destinations.

Concerns grow over detained cargo

The reported detention of around 700 containers has raised concerns among transporters over the condition and value of the cargo. The issue is particularly important for goods that can expire, spoil, or lose their value when delayed.

Transporters say immediate action is needed to protect the cargo and prevent further financial losses. They have also urged authorities to ensure that goods transport continues without unnecessary disruption.