Goods transporters have announced a nationwide wheel-jam strike from Monday, with new loading operations to remain completely suspended. According to details, goods transporters across the country will observe a complete wheel-jam strike from 12 noon on Monday, citing the failure of the Sindh and federal governments to address their concerns.
Leaders of the All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance, including Malik Shahzad Awan, said that new loading would be completely halted from Monday. However, vehicles carrying existing consignments would be allowed a limited time to unload their goods. The transporters clarified that the strike and protest would remain completely peaceful and that roads would not be blocked, according to media reports.
The transporters have demanded a reduction in diesel prices, toll taxes and withholding tax. They have also called for the proper implementation of axle-load regulations and the enforcement of previous agreements reached with the government.
The goods transporters have also demanded the resignation of the petroleum minister and the Punjab transport minister, saying that all their demands are within constitutional and legal limits. They warned that if their demands are not accepted, the scope of the protest would be expanded.
According to the president of the All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance, transport leaders recently held a meeting with the federal government, during which they presented their concerns and reminded the federal minister of the need to immediately implement commitments made in December.
He said another round of negotiations between the government and transporters would be held on Monday. A joint committee representing transporters from across Pakistan has also been formed to negotiate with the government.
The committee includes representatives from Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and South Punjab. Government-level negotiations on the transporters’ demands will be held in Islamabad. Transporters said that despite the country’s difficult economic conditions, they continue to operate their vehicles while incurring losses. They urged the government to address their concerns and resolve the issues immediately.
Read more: Karachi’s air is damaging your car: How to protect it?