The Ministry of Industries and Production has directed Pakistan Standard and Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) to finalise the standard and specification of trucks and trailers by March 31 so that these could be notified.
The directives came after a meeting held here on Monday with the Secretary, Ministry of Industries, Production and Special Initiatives in the chair to review implementation of trucking sector modernisation in Pakistan, said a statement. The meeting proposed trucks that are in use for only 10 years on motorway and 25 years on other roads.
Representatives of the World Bank, provincial governments, transport companies, OMES and other concerned government organisations attended the meeting to review implementation process on specific proposals and also fixed timeframe for their completion.
The secretary said the role of the ministry has been limited and various other agencies were implementing the trucking policy approved by the ECC. It was decided that the Engineering Development Board (EDB) would hire the services of a consultant that would workout as to how it would cost the national exchequer because of special financial relief to private sector transport companies.
The meeting also reviewed in-depth the qualification of these companies for getting financial concessions. The need for formation of a national body for trucking sector was also emphasised. Further, a committee was formed to harmonise the life of various types of transports besides dealing with other issues concerning provincial governments and various agencies regarding registration and training.
While focusing on training of drivers, the manufacturers assured to establish driving training institutes in their premises and stressed the need of establishing driving schools at Divisional Headquarters.
It was informed in the meeting that National Industrial Parks Development and Management Company acquired land in Lahore and Karachi for establishing Trans Freight Stations. The company was also working for establishment of industrial estate for trucking sector at Lahore.
An official said the policy prepared by the EDB is the part of National Trade Corridor Improvement Program (NICIP) to reform and promote an integrated modernisation of trucking sector.
A concept of Trans Freight Stations (TFS) as a facilitation point outside the main cities was included in the policy to avoid congestion in the cities.
Moreover, the trucking sector was declared as an industry to facilitate truck fleet operators to get lending from commercial banks at competitive rates. They will also be granted insurance cover, tax incentives, and utilities at industrial rates instead of commercial rates to attract much needed foreign investment.