The United Goods Transport Alliance (UGTA) has threatened to go on a strike after the continued detainment of a large number of their vehicles by the Punjab government. UGTA have announced they will begin their strike immediately unless the Punjab government releases their vehicles which are being used as barricades in the province.
UGTA have become caught up in the political tussle between the government and the protesting parties in the province and their vehicles have been detained to be used as road blocks against the protests going on since 14 August. The UGTA chairman said that as many as 4500 to 5000 vehicles have been detained by the Punjab police.
Another alarming thing was revealed by him that many of the vehicles are loaded with import and export goods which are just lying there unable to reach their destinations, and costing the traders heavily. It should be noted that much was said about the current sit ins going on in Islamabad that they are having a negative impact on the economy but the government fails to see its own actions which are hurting the economy.
News was also heard about eight to 10 vehicles being damaged in last week’s protests and the goods transporters have also staged a protest in Karachi Press Club threatening to instantly go on strike unless the problem is resolved.