Goods transporters announce nationwide strike from August 8

Transporters oppose daily petroleum price revisions

One of the major demands of the transporters is a change in the petroleum price revision mechanism. Pakistan Mini Mazda Association Central President Tanveer Jatt called for petroleum prices to be revised monthly instead of being adjusted daily.

He said frequent changes in fuel prices make it difficult for transporters to plan their operating costs and manage their businesses. Jatt urged the government to address the issue before August 8 to prevent disruption to freight services.

“The nationwide wheel-jam strike will begin on August 8, so we request the government to accept our demands beforehand because the strike will affect the country’s import and export business,” he said.

Transporters demand relief from fines and toll taxes

The transporters also demanded relief from what they described as unjust fines imposed during road enforcement. They said the financial burden on transport operators has increased due to penalties, toll charges and other operating expenses.

The transport associations also called for a review of toll taxes paid by goods vehicles across the country. Transport leaders argued that the charges should be matched by better road facilities and services for those using major highways.

Association calls for axle-load rules to be enforced

All Pakistan Goods Transport Owners Association President Chaudhry Owais Gujjar called for strict implementation of axle-load limits in accordance with the law. However, he alleged that corruption had become widespread in the enforcement process.

Gujjar said transporters should follow legal weight limits but argued that enforcement must be transparent and consistent. He also claimed that poor road conditions were contributing to traffic accidents and increasing repair and maintenance costs for transport operators.

Transporters raise concerns over road conditions

Gujjar said goods transporters pay billions of rupees in toll taxes every year but receive limited facilities in return. He called for better roads and improved infrastructure to make freight transportation safer and more efficient.

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According to the transport leaders, damaged roads increase risks for drivers and can also affect the condition of vehicles carrying goods across the country. They said improvements in road infrastructure should be part of the government’s discussions with the transport sector.

Transport leaders allege harassment on roads

Transport leader Khalid Arain also raised concerns about the treatment of transport operators during road inspections. He accused officials from the Regional Transport Authority Secretariat and Highway Patrol Police of harassing transporters.

These allegations were made by transport leaders at the press conference and have not been independently verified. Arain said transporters face constant pressure despite paying taxes and other charges to the government.

Transport sector seeks government support

Arain said transport operators in other countries receive various facilities and support, while Pakistani transporters continue to face financial and operational challenges. He also said transporters had not received compensation after militants set some of their vehicles on fire.

“We pay advance taxes, but what facilities is the government providing us in return?” he asked.

He argued that the government should engage with transport associations instead of allowing the dispute to escalate into a nationwide shutdown.

Calls for talks before the August 8 strike

Transport leaders said they are not opposed to enforcing laws against overloaded vehicles. However, they believe enforcement should be carried out after consultation with the transport sector rather than through what they described as punitive measures.

Arain said most of the issues could be resolved quickly if the government opened negotiations with transport representatives. The associations have therefore called on the authorities to begin talks before the announced strike date.

A strike could affect freight and trade

A nationwide wheel-jam strike could have an impact beyond the transport sector because trucks and goods vehicles play a key role in moving cargo between ports, industrial areas, markets, and cities. Transporters have specifically warned that imports and exports could be affected if freight movement comes to a standstill.

Any prolonged disruption could also delay the supply of goods to markets and increase pressure on businesses that depend on road transportation. The extent of the impact, however, would depend on the duration of the strike and whether the government and transport associations reach an agreement.