KARACHI: Goods transporters across Pakistan have announced an indefinite strike from August 8, demanding the government address their concerns related to fuel prices, taxes, toll charges, and transport regulations.
Speaking at a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, Malik Shahzad Awan said transport associations nationwide had reached a consensus to continue the strike until their demands were accepted. He also called for the resignation of Petroleum Minister Ali Pervez Malik.
Awan said a charter of demands had already been presented to the federal and provincial governments, warning that transport operations would remain suspended if the issues were not resolved.
The transporters’ key demands include ending the daily adjustment of petroleum product prices and shifting to a monthly pricing mechanism, as well as withdrawing recent fuel price increases. They also called for an immediate reversal of the increase in toll taxes and restoring rates to previous levels.
The association further demanded a reduction in withholding tax on the goods transport sector, strict implementation of axle load regulations and effective measures to prevent overloading.
Other demands include the cancellation of Customs SRO 1619/2024, issue of licences for heavy transport vehicles only after the necessary testing and parking space for transport vehicles at Karachi Port and Port Qasim.
In addition, Awan mentioned his concerns regarding the incidents of burning of transport vehicles in the province of Balochistan and asked the authorities to ensure law and order in the province.
The transporters objected to any restriction on the use of vehicles over 20 years old and any law regarding compensation in case of road accidents. They also demanded an end to alleged extra charges during vehicle registration in Sindh under the name of third-party insurance.
Meanwhile, the Mini Mazda Association has announced its support for the nationwide strike. Association President Tanveer Ahmed Jatt said the group would fully back the wheel-jam protest starting August 8 and would continue supporting the action until the demands were met.
