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KARACHI, Nov 5: Transport operators have become divided whether to give a strike call for one or two days. However, they agreed to observe strike on Wednesday in protest against intermittent increase in petroleum prices.
The Karachi Transport Ittehad (KTI) and the National Transport Ittehad (NTI) have a difference of opinion on the issue. The KTI called the strike for only one day, while the NTI appealed to its members to close business for two days - on Wednesday and Thursday.
However, both of them urged the government to disband the Oil Companies’ Advisory Committee (OCAC) and fix the prices of petroleum products.
KTI chief Irshad Bokhari in a statement said that due to his ailment, an eight-member KTI delegation led by Malik Khalid Hussain Awan met Sindh home secretary where secretary transport, DIG Traffic and DIG (operations) were also present.
He said the KTI informed the officials that it could not call off the strike as the intermittent increase in the prices of oil products had made it difficult for the transporters to continue their business.
He said the KTI had exempted yellow cabs, taxis and rickshaws from the strike to lessen people’s sufferings. “We assure the people that we will observe strike only on Wednesday, and transport will be normal on Thursday.”
In a statement issued by the Sindh Home Department, it was stated that the home secretary had advised the transporters to call off the strike in view of the sanctity of Ramazan and assured them that their problems would be considered and resolved after the holy month. The formula for increasing/ decreasing transport fares in accordance with the fluctuation in fuel prices would strictly be implemented after Ramazan.
It stated that the transport leaders raised the issue of harassment of transporters by police.
The home secretary directed the DIG (operations) to look into the matter and take strict action against those involved in this practice.
It said the meeting was held at 12:30pm and the transporters sought time till 4pm to consult their colleagues.
However, they did not turn up and with utter disregard and disrespect to the sanctity of Ramazan and in pursuit of their materialistic gains i.e. raising of fares, they decided to go on strike on Nov 6.
NAZIM WARNS: City Nazim Naimatullah Khan has urged the transporters to call off their strike, as it would increase problems of the commuters.
In a statement on Tuesday night, he said high government officials were engaged in negotiations with the transporters which proved that the government was serious in solving their genuine problems.
He termed the strike call a blackmailing tactic and urged the transporters not to fall prey to the propaganda of their so-called leaders.
Pointing out that the transporters were not keeping their promises, which included steps to improve the condition of vehicles, not to ply vehicles without route permits, abolition of token system, restriction on male commuters to sit in female compartments, etc., he said if the transporters went on strike, the government would be forced to implement traffic rules strictly.
