The All Pakistan Goods Transport Association has announced an indefinite nationwide strike starting August 8 if the government fails to accept its demands, warning that transport operations across the country could be disrupted.
Speaking at a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, association leader Malik Shehzad Awan said transport bodies from across Pakistan had unanimously agreed to continue the strike until their demands were addressed. He also called for the resignation of Petroleum Minister Ali Pervaiz Malik.
Awan said the association had already submitted a charter of demands to both the federal and provincial governments. He warned that if the authorities did not respond positively, transporters would proceed with the planned strike without any fixed end date.
One of the association’s main demands is the abolition of the recently introduced daily petroleum price adjustment mechanism and the restoration of the previous monthly fuel pricing system. Transporters have also called for the withdrawal of recent increases in petrol and diesel prices.
The association further demanded that the recent increase in toll taxes be reversed and restored to the rates applicable on June 30, 2024. It also urged the government to reduce the 7 percent withholding tax on the goods transport sector to 2 percent, bringing it in line with the tax rate applied to oil tankers.
Among other demands, transporters called for strict implementation of axle-load regulations to prevent overloading, withdrawal of Customs SRO 1619/2024, issuance of HTV licences after proper driving tests, and the establishment of dedicated parking facilities near Karachi Port and Port Qasim.
Awan also expressed concern over attacks on transport vehicles in Balochistan, urging the government to improve law and order in the province. He rejected the law banning vehicles older than 20 years and opposed the rule setting Rs9.7 million compensation in road accident cases. In addition, he demanded an end to what he described as excessive charges during vehicle registration in Sindh under the name of third-party insurance.
Also read: Transporters Reduce Fares Nationwide Following Petrol Price Cut
