Goods transport associations across Pakistan have announced a countrywide wheel-jam strike on July 19 in solidarity with the business community as Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said that the government will meet business community leaders on July 15 (Tuesday) to explain the rationale behind tax-related amendments.
The President of the Karachi Goods Carriers Association, Malik Sher Khan, said that the transport community fully supports traders and that no supply or vehicle movement will take place anywhere in the country on the day of the strike.
He added that if traders decide to extend the protest, transporters are prepared to prolong the strike as well.
Speaking at the Karachi Chamber of Commerce in solidarity with industrialists, Malik Sher Khan reaffirmed the transport sector’s commitment to the traders’ cause. He confirmed that all transporters would participate in the Karachi Chamber’s strike on July 19, and no goods transportation would resume until the Chamber’s demands are met.
During a joint press conference, presidents of various transport associations from across the country stood with the Karachi Chamber’s leadership. The strike is in protest against Sections 37A and 37B of the Sales Tax Act introduced in the Finance Bill. Transporters expressed full support for the Chamber’s stance.
Meanwhile, the Federal Finance Minister has invited all chambers and trade associations for dialogue on July 15. Speaking to the media at the Overseas Investors Chamber of Commerce in Karachi, he said the government would listen to the concerns regarding the July 19 strike and also explain its position. He urged all chambers to come prepared with a thorough understanding of the relevant laws.
