ISLAMABAD: The federal government is reported to have assured the All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance that more than 80 per cent of their demands will be accepted, raising hopes of an end to the nationwide strike that has paralysed goods movement for the past four days.
According to media reports, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to issue a summary on the transporters’ demands, with final approval hinging on his decision.
The assurance came after a four‑hour meeting between the transporters’ delegation and Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan alongside the Petroleum Minister.
During the talks, government representatives pledged to implement the bulk of the demands, while noting that the remaining issues required the Prime Minister’s approval.
The transport leaders are scheduled to meet the ministers and the secretary again today to continue discussions.
The strike, which began on August 8, has seen transporters park their vehicles nationwide in protest against the daily determination of petroleum product prices and the imposition of a seven per cent withholding tax on the sector. The prolonged suspension of operations has disrupted supply chains and fuelled concerns over inflationary pressures.
Observers believe the government’s assurance marks a significant step toward breaking the deadlock, but the final outcome will depend on whether the Prime Minister endorses the proposed concessions.
