Karachi: The Salt Manufacturers Association of Pakistan (SMAP) has urgently requested intervention from Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and the Federal Minister of Communications, Abdul Aleem Khan, regarding the misuse of axle load regulations by transporters, leading to increased costs and impacting exports.

According to Salt Manufacturers Association of Pakistan, SMAP Chairman Qasim Yaqoob Paracha highlighted the escalating costs traders face due to transporters exploiting the axle load limits. He detailed how the "transport mafia" overcharges for loads beyond the regulated 30 to 32 tons, using fines and delivery delays as pretexts. This practice not only increases transportation costs but also adversely affects the competitiveness of various industries, including the salt sector.

Paracha has called for a stringent enforcement of axle load regulations and a uniform application of charges based on these limits across the country. He urged that the government take decisive action to curb these exploitative practices to ensure fair trading conditions and support the export activities that are vital for Pakistan’s economy.