Goods transporters and oil tanker operators have started suspending services across Pakistan after negotiations with the government failed to resolve their demands, with a nationwide wheel-jam strike beginning on Saturday, August 8.
All Pakistan Goods Transport Itehad spokesman and All Pakistan Goods Transport Owners Association President Mohammad Owais Chaudhry Advocate said talks with Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan and other government officials ended without a breakthrough.
The strike involves a wide range of commercial transport operators, including edible oil tankers, petroleum tankers, trucks, trailers and other intercity goods carriers.
Chaudhry said transporters had conveyed their concerns to the government and would continue the strike until their demands were addressed. He added that commercial goods carriers had already been taken off the roads and parked at designated locations.
The government has assured transporters that their demands will be discussed, with another round of negotiations scheduled for Monday morning.
Key demands
The transporters are seeking:
- Uniform enforcement of axle-load limits nationwide.
- Permission for 10-wheel vehicles to carry up to 35 tonnes.
- Reduction in diesel prices and motorway/highway toll taxes.
- Relief in withholding tax on the transport sector.
- Withdrawal of customs provisions allowing confiscation of vehicles over alleged customs violations.
- Removal of Punjab Highway Patrol’s authority to issue challans to commercial vehicles.
- An end to what transporters describe as unnecessary challans and excessive fines.
- Easier issuance of heavy transport vehicle licences for drivers.
The transporters have warned that the protest is not a symbolic one and will continue indefinitely until their demands are accepted.
The strike could disrupt the movement of petroleum products, edible oil and other essential goods if the deadlock continues.