Ahead of Azadi March on August 14: government's proposed plan to shut petrol stations may affect use of motor bikes

The proposed plan by the government to close fuel stations from Lahore to Islamabad ahead of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) Azadi March on August 14 would impact on motor bikes but not on large buses as they have sufficient storage capacity to travel a distance of around 380km between Lahore and the twin cities without the need to refuel.
This was stated by chairman Mutahida Transporters Association (MTA) Raja Riaz while taking to Business Recorder on Wednesday. However, he added that mini-buses may need to refuel along the way and would face problems if they cannot find fuel along the way. He added that so far the association has not received any certifiable information regarding government decision but if they closed fuel stations located on GT road and motorway for traffic before August 14, the transporters will stage a protest against the government as it would further damage the already fractured business of transporters.
Professor Azahr Sajjad, former chief executive of Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport Pakistan also said the government's plan to close fuel stations would, therefore, not meet their objective to derail the Azadi march. He added that big vans can carry extra fuel in gallon containers with them. Sources said that the government has decided to close all fuel stations in Lahore as well as those located on GT road. The government is also considering the option of closing the Motorway for traffic. It is also being debated to close bus stands in Lahore and nearby districts so that no bus or wagon could reach Islamabad.
The police in twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi have reportedly started crackdown on PTI workers. The special branch has prepared a list of influential PTI members who will be arrested on the night of August 14. The special branch has also been tasked to obtain reports on preparations for the 'Azadi March', as well as details on other parties who are planning to join the demonstration, they said.
The worst kind of fuel shortage was witnessed in the twin cities of Rawalpinidi and Islamabad after rumours spread that the government was planning to shut petrol stations ahead of Dr Tahirul Qadri, chief of Pakistan Awami Tehreek (PAT) sit-in in Islamabad on January 14, 2013. The rumours paved the way for artificial shortage of fuel but the then Pakistan People's Party (PPP's) government did not take any such step.