Goods transporters postpone nationwide strike for 40 days

The goods transporters strike has been postponed for 40 days after the government and representatives of the transport industry made progress in resolving several key demands.

The goods transporters strike has been postponed for 40 days after the government and representatives of the transport industry made progress in resolving several key demands.

All Pakistan Goods Transport Ittehad President Malik Shehbaz Awan announced the decision on Sunday, saying the strike was being deferred in the “broader national interest”. He said some demands had already been addressed, while issues requiring cabinet approval would be considered within 15 to 20 days.

A major concern for transporters is the government’s daily adjustment of petrol and diesel prices. The association has called for fuel prices to be revised on a fortnightly or monthly basis instead.

Transporters also received assurances that overloading would be controlled according to legal axle-load limits. Discussions will continue on withholding tax and other industry-related issues.

Awan said the Sindh government had agreed to shift truck operations to a new truck stand within a year. He also claimed that six of the association’s eight demands concerning Punjab had been accepted.

Sindh Governor Nihal Hashmi and Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan welcomed the development and stressed continued dialogue.

The 40-day postponement gives both sides an opportunity to resolve the remaining disputes and avoid further disruption to Pakistan’s goods transportation network.