Goods transporters begin indefinite strike across Pakistan

The All Pakistan Goods Transporters Alliance has announced an indefinite strike across Pakistan from Saturday

The All Pakistan Goods Transporters Alliance has announced an indefinite strike across Pakistan from Saturday, August 8, in protest against rising fuel prices and additional financial burdens on the transport sector.

Alliance President Malik Shehzad Awan confirmed the strike and said goods transporters would continue keeping their vehicles off the roads until further decisions were made. He said the federal government had invited representatives of the transport alliance to a meeting on Monday to discuss their concerns.

Awan said a committee had been formed to represent the transporters during talks with government officials. He added that the strike would continue until the meeting was held and the alliance announced its next course of action.

According to Awan, earlier negotiations between the transport alliance and government officials at the commissioner’s office had failed to resolve the dispute. Following the unsuccessful talks, the transporters decided to proceed with their planned indefinite strike.

The alliance is protesting against higher petrol and diesel prices. It is also opposing the government’s decision to determine petroleum product prices on a daily basis. Another major demand concerns the seven percent withholding tax imposed on the transport sector.

Transporters say rising fuel costs and additional taxes have increased their operating expenses and created serious financial difficulties for the industry. They have urged the government to review the current policies and provide relief to the transport sector.

The transporters have warned that the strike could affect the movement of goods across the country if the dispute continues. Goods transporters play a major role in supplying food, industrial products, raw materials and other essential items to markets and businesses.

A prolonged strike could therefore put pressure on supply chains and affect the availability and transportation of essential goods in different areas.

The government’s scheduled meeting with the transport alliance on Monday is expected to determine the next course of action. Transport representatives will present their demands during the talks and seek a solution to the ongoing dispute.