The All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance declared on Monday that it will initiate a nationwide strike beginning August 8, suspending all transport operations until the federal government addresses its demands.
This decision follows a unanimous agreement among transport associations across Pakistan to launch the protest, announced by the Alliance President Malik Shehzad Awan during a conference.
President Awan stated that a comprehensive charter of demands has already been submitted to both federal and provincial authorities, outlining the sector’s expectations from the government.
He emphasized the need to replace the current daily fuel price adjustment system with a monthly review and called for the immediate reversal of recent hikes in diesel and petrol prices. Additionally, the alliance demanded the rollback of the recent increase in toll taxes to previous rates.
The alliance also pressed for a reduction in the tax rate on the goods transport sector, proposing a cut from the existing 7 percent to 2 percent. Furthermore, Awan urged strict enforcement of axle load and overloading regulations while advocating for a reassessment of the permissible weight limits for 10-wheeler trucks to allow more practical cargo capacity.
In a significant development, the association appealed to customs officials to cease what it described as harassment of transporters. It also called on the federal government and the provincial governments of Punjab and Sindh to fulfill commitments made to the transport sector in December.
Among other demands, the alliance requested that Heavy Transport Vehicle (HTV) licenses be issued only after drivers successfully pass the required driving tests.
President Awan warned that if these demands are not met, the goods transport sector will halt services nationwide from August 8 for an indefinite duration, impacting supply chains across the country.
