Goods Transporters Announce Nationwide Indefinite Strike from August 8
Karachi: Goods transporters across Pakistan have announced an indefinite nationwide strike starting August 8, stating that the protest will continue until their demands are accepted by the federal and provincial governments.
Addressing a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, transport leader Malik Shehzad Awan said transport associations from across the country had unanimously decided to launch the strike. He also called for the resignation of Federal Minister for Petroleum Pervez Ali Malik.
Awan said a charter of demands had already been submitted to both the federal and provincial governments, warning that the strike would continue if the authorities failed to address their concerns.
Among the transporters’ key demands are the reversal of recent increases in petroleum prices and a return to monthly fuel price revisions instead of the current daily pricing mechanism. They also called for toll tax increases to be withdrawn and restored to the rates in effect on June 30, 2024.
The transporters further demanded that the 7% withholding tax on the goods transport sector be reduced to 2%, similar to the rate applicable to oil tankers. They also urged strict enforcement of axle-load regulations to eliminate vehicle overloading.
Other demands include the withdrawal of Customs SRO 1619/2024, issuance of HTV driving licences after successful testing, and the provision of dedicated parking facilities for transport vehicles near Karachi Port and Port Qasim.
Awan also expressed concern over incidents in which transport vehicles were set on fire in Balochistan, calling on the government to improve the law and order situation.
In addition, he rejected laws banning 20-year-old vehicles and imposing Rs9.7 million in compensation (diyat) in fatal road accident cases, urging the government to withdraw both measures. He also demanded an end to what he described as extortion in the name of third-party insurance during vehicle registration in Sindh.
Meanwhile, the Mini Mazda Association also announced its support for the planned strike. Its president, Tanveer Ahmed Jatt, said the association would fully participate in the nationwide wheel-jam strike beginning on August 8 and would continue the protest until the transporters’ demands are met.
