Battle over axle load regime divides Pakistan's goods movers.

In a contentious showdown between the formal and informal sectors of Pakistan's transportation industry, a heated debate rages over the implementation of an axle load regime (ALR) on the nation's motorways and highways. The controversy pits safety concerns against potential economic repercussions, while government authorities find themselves caught in the crossfire.

The axle load regulations, introduced in 2000 through the National Highways Safety Ordinance (NHSO), have struggled to be fully enforced over the years. Proponents argue that strict adherence to the ALR would minimize the risk of highway accidents. On the other side of the debate, opponents contend that limiting truck weight would significantly increase transportation costs, placing an additional burden on consumers already grappling with inflation.

At the forefront of the push for ALR implementation is the Fleet Operators Association of Pakistan (FOAP), which asserts that the government has repeatedly relaxed axle load limits in favor of commodity importers and traders, undermining the safety measures put in place.

FOAP continues to advocate for the full implementation of the ALR, citing the need to align Pakistan's transport industry with international best practices. They argue that this is vital for ensuring the safety of lives and national assets on highways and motorways, as well as supporting the ambitious CPEC projects to establish Pakistan as a key transit hub.

FOAP Chairman Murtaza Ahmed Ali emphasized the importance of preserving human lives and pointed to a 2016 World Bank report on road safety, which estimated that accidents cost Pakistan a staggering...