Lahore: In a recent meeting at the Central Police Office, Punjab Police and representatives from Goods and Transport Associations of Punjab and Sindh agreed to a joint course of action to address the transporters’ issues. The decision was marked by the transporters’ deferment of their strike and a commitment to hold joint awareness sessions focusing on road safety and traffic laws.
According to Punjab Police, the meeting was convened on the directions of IG Punjab Abdul Kareem and included discussions led by Additional IG Operations Asim Gulzar. Senior police and traffic officers, along with the transporters’ delegation, engaged in detailed talks about the challenges faced by the transport community, the enforcement of traffic laws, and road safety measures. The delegation praised Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz’s vision for traffic reforms aimed at safeguarding human lives, while police officials lauded the transporters’ decision to postpone their strike.
Representatives from various transport associations shared their concerns and demands, leading to the formulation of actionable proposals. These proposals aim to resolve the transporters’ issues through mutual understanding and cooperation. Additional IG Operations Asim Gulzar emphasized the ongoing efforts by Punjab Police to address the transport community’s legitimate concerns. He announced that committees would be established for this purpose, and joint awareness sessions would aim to educate drivers on safety and legal requirements. The Punjab Police assured that their offices remain open for resolving transporters’ issues, with designated focal persons available for contact.
The meeting also underscored the need for effective coordination between the police and transporters to enhance traffic management. Additional IG Operations Gulzar reiterated the importance of protecting human lives and confirmed the continuation of an indiscriminate crackdown on traffic violations. DIG PHP Faisal Ali Raja highlighted that risky behaviors by dumper drivers are major contributors to highway accidents, while DIG Traffic Punjab Waqas Nazir addressed the misuse of legal measures against transporters. Nazir announced plans to facilitate heavy transport drivers in acquiring licenses and promised a meeting with the Provincial Minister and Secretary for Transport to resolve related issues. The scope of the One App application, which aids transporters, will also be expanded.
The meeting was attended by several senior officials, including DIG Traffic Punjab Waqas Nazir, DIG PHP Faisal Ali Raja, and CTO Lahore Syed Abdul Raheem Shirazi. The delegation comprised leaders from various transport associations, signaling a collaborative approach to tackle the pressing challenges faced by the transport sector.