Govt-transporters deadlock persists

ISLAMABAD: Despite the government’s claim of a breakthrough, the deadlock between the government and the All Pakistan Goods Transporters Alliance persisted after two days of negotiations, with transporters vowing to continue their strike until their demands are met.

According to an official statement, a detailed meeting chaired by Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan, convener of the committee constituted by the Prime Minister, decided to establish a Joint Monitoring Committee comprising customs authorities and representatives of goods transporters.

The meeting held on Tuesday, also discussed short- and long-term measures to address the issues faced by transporters in dealing with customs authorities.

READ MORE: Talks with government failed: Goods transporters decide to continue protest

Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Junaid Anwaar, who participated in the meeting via video link, assured the transporters of immediate and full cooperation from his ministry on matters relating to maritime affairs.

Speaking at the meeting, Abdul Aleem Khan directed the authorities to promptly address the complaints of goods transporters regarding weigh stations.

He said state-of-the-art weigh stations with minimal human intervention would be established on all motorways.

The delegation of the All Pakistan Goods Transporters Alliance appreciated the efforts of Abdul Aleem Khan to address their issues. On the communications minister’s directions, senior officials of the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) also presented recommendations on proposals submitted by the transporters.

Officials of the port and shipping authorities and the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) briefed the meeting on relevant matters, while various proposals concerning the National Highway Authority (NHA) and Motorway Police were also discussed.

Regarding the axle-load issue, the transporters expressed their full support for Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan’s policy, saying the matter should be controlled at its source through a uniform policy.

The five-hour-long meeting also included detailed discussions between senior officials of the Ministry of Petroleum and representatives of the goods transporters.

However, contrary to the government’s claim, President of the All Pakistan Goods Transporters Owners Association Muhammad Owais Choudhry Advocate said in a statement that although significant progress had been made during negotiations with government ministers and senior officials, the strike would continue until the government met their demands and provided written assurances.

Key demands of the transporters include 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 that diesel prices be fixed on a monthly basis and toll taxes reduced, besides seeking relief in withholding tax to ease the financial burden on the transport sector.

The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and the Pakistan Textile Council have already warned that the ongoing goods transporters’ strike, which has entered its fifth day, could create shortages of food and other consumer goods and have a cascading impact on industrial production, the availability of raw materials, delivery of finished products, fuel supplies, domestic commerce and export shipments.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2026