Talks with government failed: Goods transporters decide to continue protest

ISLAMABAD: The negotiations between the government and goods transporters on Monday failed to make any breakthrough and the goods transporters have decided to continue their strike.

Federal Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan, Federal Petroleum Minister Pervez Ali Malik, Port and representatives of the goods transporters association participated in the talks in Islamabad.

On behalf of All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance, Chaudhry Qamar Zaman Gul, Malik Shabar Khan, Nisar Hussain Jafri, Imdad Hussain Naqvi and Chaudhry Owais, leaders of the alliance including President Malik Shahzad Awan participated in the talks.

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After the talks Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance President Malik Shahzad Awan in a statement said that the talks between the government and the goods transporters did not succeed and the deadlock still persist. He said despite comprehensive discussion, the deadlock with the federal and Sindh government still persist, and no progress has been made on the demands of the goods transporters.

Malik Shahzad Awan said that the protest will not end until our demands are accepted and the transporters will not take a step back from their demands He said that the government should take serious steps to end the deadlock. Despite assurances from the government, practical progress has not been made, the protest of the goods transporters will continue until the demands are accepted.

Among the key demands of the transporters is the uniform enforcement of axle-load limits across the country and permission for 10-wheel vehicles to carry up to 35 tonnes.

They have also demanded reductions in diesel prices and toll taxes, besides seeking relief in withholding tax to ease the financial burden on the transport sector.

The transporters have also called for the withdrawal of customs provisions that, according to the association, allow authorities to confiscate vehicles carrying goods found to be in violation of customs laws.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026