ISLAMABAD: All Pakistan Goods Transporters Owners Association and other transport bodies called a nationwide wheel-jam strike from August 8 and warned that the suspension of freight movement could disrupt the supply of essential commodities if the government failed to address their concerns.
In a press conference at the National Press Club, leaders of the alliance which includes All Pakistan Goods Transport Owners Association President Muhammad Owais Chaudhry Advocate, Malik Shafeeullah Awan and Malik Nisar said that the transport sector was facing an unprecedented financial crisis due to repeated increases in diesel prices, higher taxes and other government measures.
The transporters demanded that taxes on diesel be reduced and fuel prices be restored to the level of July 1, 2024.
They also called for a reduction in the withholding tax on cargo transporters from seven percent to two percent, arguing that oil tanker operators were already paying only two per cent.
The alliance rejected a provision introduced through the Finance Act 2026 under which an entire vehicle could be confiscated if non-custom-paid goods were found on board.
The transporters described the measure as unjust and demanded its immediate withdrawal, urging the government to restore the previous system under which fines were imposed and vehicles were released.
The leaders also sought uniform implementation of axle-load regulations across the country, saying overloading should be checked at factories, warehouses and loading points rather than through roadside enforcement that, they alleged, had become a source of revenue collection.
Among other demands, they called for a simpler procedure for obtaining heavy transport vehicle (HTV) driving licences, a reduction in toll taxes and an end to the daily adjustment of diesel prices.
The alliance demanded fortnightly or monthly revisions of fuel prices to provide greater certainty for transport operators.
Muhammad Owais Chaudhry Advocate, said that the current policies have pushed small transporters, vehicle owners who were paying instalments on financed trucks and drivers into severe financial hardship, making it increasingly difficult to continue operations.
”We have repeatedly approached the government through letters, meetings and media appeals, but no meaningful progress has been made, ” he added.
It was announced jointly that unless the government entered into immediate negotiations and accepted their demands, all categories of goods transport, including cargo trucks, containers and oil tankers, would remain off the roads from August 8.
The leaders of the transport alliance said the strike would remain peaceful, adding that transporters would park their vehicles instead of blocking highways.
While, Malik Nisar, cautioned that a prolonged shutdown could significantly affect imports, exports and the transportation of essential goods, the government will be responsible for the results.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
Comments