Goods transporters across Pakistan have ended their nationwide wheel-jam strike following the government’s agreement to several of their demands. Tanvir Ahmed Jutt, Central President of the Pakistan Transport Council, emphasized that transporters conduct legitimate business and are not involved in smuggling activities.
In a significant development, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formed a committee led by Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan to address the grievances of the transporters. Khan is personally supervising the resolution process to ensure their demands are fulfilled.
Jutt explained that the decision to call off the strike was made in the broader national interest. Approximately eight immediate demands have been accepted, while committees have been established to handle the remaining issues. He expressed gratitude to Field Marshal Asim Munir, PM Shehbaz Sharif, and Abdul Aleem Khan for their cooperation throughout the negotiations. Jutt also urged the transporters’ alliance to support the decision to resume operations.
The alliance includes 15 organizations such as the Islam Goods Transport Association and the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Goods Federation. The strike had effectively shut down the country’s ports, severely impacting imports and exports and causing losses amounting to billions of rupees. The business community faced mounting challenges due to the prolonged disruption.
Jutt noted that instead of daily diesel price adjustments, committees have now been tasked with resolving this issue. Additionally, some decisions regarding toll plazas have been finalized. He declared, “A new era of freedom begins today,” while cautioning that if the government fails to honor its commitments, transporters could resume nationwide shutdowns.
He called on goods transporters to restart operations at Karachi Port and Port Qasim immediately. Any future problems encountered by transporters will be addressed at the organizational level to ensure smooth functioning.
Among the government’s commitments, additional toll plazas will be removed through a cabinet decision, and toll collection will be automated. Measures will be implemented in accordance with the NHSO 2000 framework. Furthermore, Mazda trucks will be permitted to operate with a 12-ton weight limit, and 10-wheeler Volvo trucks will be allowed up to 35 tons.
Jutt also mentioned that under SRO 1619, impounded vehicles will be released upon submission of bank guarantees, providing relief to transporters affected during the strike period.
