Transporters have demanded around Rs. 280 million in compensation for containers currently stuck in Islamabad.
Nearly 1,000 containers have reportedly remained parked in different parts of the capital for around two weeks. The prolonged detention has caused significant financial losses for goods transporters.
According to the All Pakistan Goods Transport Owners Association, transporters are losing around Rs. 20,000 per container every day. These losses include daily demurrage and detention charges linked to the delayed movement of containers.
The association has called for government intervention to address the issue. It has also demanded compensation for transporters affected by the prolonged detention.
Advocate Muhammad Owais Chaudhry said the containers are parked at different intersections across Islamabad. He added that many of them are carrying goods worth millions of rupees.
Chaudhry urged the authorities to immediately release containers carrying essential medicines and other important goods. He said delays could create additional difficulties for businesses and consumers.
The continued detention has also increased the financial burden on transporters. They are required to bear additional costs while their vehicles remain unable to complete their assigned trips.
Under the proposed Container Rent compensation mechanism, the government would pay Rs. 20,000 per container for each day of detention. The demand is based on the daily losses reported by the transporters.
Chaudhry said the government should collect complete information about vehicles detained from different cities. This data would help determine the number of affected containers and calculate compensation.
He also urged the authorities to establish a clear and transparent process for making payments. According to him, compensation should not remain limited to government announcements.
Transporters want the government to engage directly with their representatives. They have called for discussions to establish an agreed mechanism for covering their losses.
The demand for Container Rent compensation comes after the containers remained stuck for an extended period. Transporters say the continued delays are adding to their operational expenses.
The containers are reportedly spread across several locations in Islamabad. Some are carrying essential goods, including medicines, while others contain commercial cargo.
Chaudhry stressed the need for immediate action regarding essential shipments. He also called for the release of all containers carrying goods considered necessary for public use.
The transporters have asked the government to assess the losses based on verified detention records. They want compensation calculated according to the duration of each vehicle’s detention.
The proposed Container Rent rate of Rs. 20,000 per day would apply to affected containers under the transporters’ demand. The government has yet to announce a final compensation mechanism.
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Further discussions between officials and transporters could determine how the claims are verified and processed. For now, the affected transporters continue to face financial losses due to the delays.
