KARACHI, — Goods transporters across Pakistan have announced an indefinite nationwide strike beginning August 8, warning that transport operations will remain suspended until their demands are accepted by the federal and provincial governments.
The announcement was made during a press conference at the Karachi Press Club by Malik Shahzad Awan, who said transport associations from across the country had unanimously agreed to continue the strike until a negotiated settlement is reached.
Awan also called for the resignation of Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik, holding the ministry responsible for policies affecting the transport sector.
According to the transport leadership, a comprehensive Charter of Demands has already been submitted to both federal and provincial authorities.
Among the key demands are:
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- Ending the daily revision of petroleum product prices and restoring a monthly pricing mechanism.
- Reversing recent increases in fuel prices.
- Rolling back higher toll taxes to the rates applicable on June 30, 2024.
- Reducing the 7 percent withholding tax on the goods transport sector to 2 percent, similar to the tax structure applied to oil tankers.
- Strict enforcement of axle load regulations to eliminate overloading.
- Withdrawal of Customs SRO 1619/2024.
- Issuance of Heavy Transport Vehicle (HTV) licenses after successful driving tests.
- Establishment of dedicated parking facilities for transport vehicles near Karachi Port and Port Qasim.
The transporters also expressed concern over attacks on transport vehicles in Balochistan, urging authorities to take immediate steps to improve law and order and ensure the safety of transport operators.
They further demanded the withdrawal of legislation banning vehicles older than 20 years and opposed the law prescribing compensation of Rs9.7 million in fatal road accident cases.
The association also called for an end to what it described as unlawful charges collected under the name of third-party insurance during vehicle registration in Sindh.
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The Mini Mazda Association of Pakistan has announced its full support for the planned strike.
Association President Tanveer Ahmed Jutt said transport operators across the country would participate in the nationwide wheel-jam strike beginning on August 8, reiterating demands for the resignation of the petroleum minister and implementation of the transport sector’s demands.
The planned strike is expected to affect the movement of goods nationwide if negotiations between transport representatives and the government fail before the announced date.
