ISLAMABAD: The All Pakistan Goods Transporters Alliance on Tuesday announced a nationwide wheel-jam strike from Aug 8, warning that the suspension of freight movement could disrupt the supply of essential commodities if the government failed to address its demands.
The announcement was made at a press conference at the National Press Club by the alliance’s leaders, including All Pakistan Goods Transport Owners Association President Muhammad Owais Chaudhry Advocate, Malik Shafeeullah Awan and Malik Nisar.
They said 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 their July 1, 2024, level.
Demands were also issued for a reduction in the withholding tax on cargo transporters from seven per cent to 2pc, arguing that oil tanker operators were already paying only 2pc.
The alliance also rejected a provision introduced in the Finance Act 2026 under which an entire vehicle could be confiscated if non-duty-paid goods were found on board.
Describing the measure as unjust and demanding its immediate withdrawal, the transporters urged the government to restore the previous system under which fines were imposed and vehicles released.
They 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, which they alleged had become a source of revenue collection.
Among other demands, the transporters called for a simpler procedure for obtaining heavy transport vehicle driving licences, a reduction in toll taxes and an end to the daily adjustment of diesel prices. They demanded that fuel prices be revised fortnightly or monthly to provide greater certainty for transport operators.
All Pakistan Goods Transport Owners Association President Muhammad Owais Chaudhry said the current policies had pushed drivers, small transporters and vehicle owners paying instalments on financed trucks into severe financial hardship, making it increasingly difficult for them to continue operations.
“We have repeatedly approached the government through letters, meetings and media appeals, but no meaningful progress has been made,” he said.
It was jointly announced 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 Aug 8.
The alliance leaders said the strike would remain peaceful, adding that transporters would park their vehicles instead of blocking highways.
However, Malik Nisar warned that a prolonged shutdown could significantly affect imports, exports and the transportation of essential goods, adding that the government would bear responsibility for the consequences.
