ISLAMABAD: The All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance on Saturday formally launched an indefinite nationwide strike, intensifying pressure on the government to address their demands over fuel prices and taxation.
Alliance President Malik Shahzad Awan confirmed the strike, saying the federal government had summoned transport representatives for a meeting on Monday. He added that a committee of the Alliance had been formed to attend the talks, but stressed that the strike would continue until a clear course of action was announced following the meeting.
Awan noted that earlier negotiations at the Commissioner’s Office had failed, leaving transporters with no option but to suspend operations.
The strike, he said, was aimed at protesting against the increase in petrol and diesel prices, the daily determination of petroleum product rates, and the imposition of a seven per cent withholding tax on the transport sector.
Meanwhile, All Pakistan Goods Transporter Owners Association President Owais Chaudhry underscored additional grievances, calling for 10‑wheeler vehicles to be allowed a load limit of 35 tons.
He demanded immediate relief in diesel prices and toll taxes, and urged changes to laws governing illegal challans, heavy fines, and vehicle impoundment. Chaudhry further pressed for a reduction in withholding tax and the issuance of heavy transport licenses to drivers.
With the strike now underway, concerns are mounting over its impact on supply chains and commodity prices.
Analysts warn that prolonged disruption could exacerbate inflationary pressures already weighing heavily on households. The outcome of Monday’s federal talks will be critical in determining whether the deadlock eases or deepens further.
