PESHAWAR: Peshawar Goods Carriers Association on Thursday announced a complete wheel-jam strike on Aug 8 against the alleged harassment of transporters by the Federal Board of Revenue and rejected the daily revision of petroleum prices.

It warned that the new pricing mechanism would further increase the cost of doing business.

Addressing a news conference here, PGCA President Mohammad Hussain, Chairman Haji Iftikhar, General Secretary Shahid Khan, Press Secretary Waqas Afridi and other office-bearers urged the federal and provincial governments to immediately withdraw the proposed daily petroleum pricing mechanism through the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority and restore the monthly pricing system.

Mr Hussain demanded the withdrawal of Customs SRO 1619(I)/2024, alleging that customs officials are using the notification under the cover of the FBR to harass transporters and seek illegal gratification.

He said the government should restore the previous procedure and end what he termed unnecessary interference in the transport business.

The PGCA leader also called for an end to the FBR’s advance sales tax demand from transporters, claiming that the policy had added to the financial burden on the sector.

He demanded that the recent increase in toll tax be withdrawn and the rates prevailing on June 30, 2024, be restored. It also sought a reduction in the seven per cent withholding tax on the goods transport sector to two per cent, bringing it at par with the rate applicable to oil tankers.

The association office-bearers urged authorities to ensure strict implementation of axle-load regulations at the point of loading instead of penalising transporters during transit.

The PGCA leaders criticised the traffic and highway police for allegedly imposing excessive fines and harassing transporters.

They demanded the removal of “unauthorised” checkpoints near the Peshawar Toll Plaza and an end to arbitrary penalties and forced route diversions.

Published in Dawn, August 7th, 2026