Goods transport strike begins after govt talks fail in Pakistan

Goods transport strike action began in Pakistan on Friday night after talks between transport representatives and government officials ended without an agreement, according to Dawn. The move comes ahead of a nationwide wheel-jam strike announced for Saturday by a unified transport body representing goods carriers and tanker operators.

The stoppage involves a wide segment of the freight sector, including edible oil tanker operators, petroleum oil tanker operators, truckers, trailer operators and other intercity transporters. Mohammad Owais Chaudhry Advocate, spokesman for All Pakistan Goods Transport Itehad and president of the All Pakistan Goods Transport Owners Association, told Dawn that the negotiations with Federal Minister for Communications Aleem Khan and other officials did not produce a breakthrough.

He said the transporters had already raised their concerns with the government side and were moving ahead with the protest plan after the talks failed. According to him, commercial goods carriers across the country have been taken off the roads and will remain parked at designated locations during the protest period.

The transporters had earlier announced that the wheel-jam strike would begin on August 8 and said it would not be a token protest but an indefinite shutdown. Chaudhry said the strike would continue until their demands were accepted.

Among the key demands is uniform enforcement of axle-load limits across the country. The transporters are also seeking permission for 10-wheel vehicles to carry up to 35 tonnes. They have additionally called for lower diesel prices and toll taxes, along with relief in withholding tax to reduce the financial pressure on the transport sector.

The group has also demanded the withdrawal of certain measures, though the available feed details do not fully specify those steps. Dawn reported that Minister for Communications Aleem Khan has assured the transporters that he will discuss their demands, and that the next round of talks is scheduled for Monday morning.

The latest development raises the prospect of disruption to goods movement across the country if the strike continues as planned. For now, transporters say they are standing by their protest decision until there is progress in negotiations.

FAQs

What is the goods transport strike about?

Transporters say they are protesting over axle-load enforcement, operating limits for vehicles, fuel costs, toll taxes and withholding tax relief.

When will talks resume?

According to the feed, the next round of talks is set for Monday morning.

Which groups are involved?

The protest covers goods carriers, oil tanker operators, truckers, trailer operators and other intercity transporters.