Goods transporters, govt officials meet today to resolve issues

Goods transporters, govt begin talks to end strike

The government has invited representatives of the All Pakistan Goods Transporters Alliance to Islamabad for talks as their nationwide strike enters its second day.

The alliance began the strike on Saturday after earlier negotiations with the government failed to produce a breakthrough. The protest could disrupt the movement of goods across the country, as road transport plays a major role in moving cargo between ports, factories, markets, and cities.

Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan assured transport representatives during a video-link meeting that their “legitimate demands” would be addressed on a priority basis.

“Issues of goods transporters will be resolved soon,” he said, according to a statement issued by his ministry. Khan also invited a delegation of transporters to Islamabad for detailed discussions on their concerns.

Daily diesel pricing becomes a key issue

One of the transporters’ main demands is an end to the daily revision of diesel prices. The alliance wants diesel prices to be reviewed every month instead. Transporters argue that frequent price changes make it difficult for them to calculate operating costs and plan their businesses.

Pakistan previously revised petroleum prices every fortnight. The government later shifted to daily revisions amid volatility in global energy markets following the outbreak of the US-Iran war in February. The transporters want the government to reconsider the current system and provide greater stability in fuel pricing.

Transporters seek relief from toll charges

Higher toll charges are another major concern for the transport sector. The alliance has demanded the restoration of toll rates that were in effect on June 1, 2024. It has also called for a halt to further toll increases and demanded a one-year ban on establishing new toll plazas.

Transporters say rising toll costs are adding to the overall expense of operating goods vehicles on major roads and motorways. The demand is expected to be discussed during the government’s meeting with the alliance.

The seven percent withholding tax is also challenged

The transporters have also demanded a reduction in the withholding tax imposed on their sector. The alliance wants the rate reduced from 7% to 2%.

Transport representatives say the existing tax is increasing financial pressure on transport operators already facing high fuel and operating costs. They are seeking government action to reduce the burden and make goods transportation more affordable.

Axle-load rules under discussion

Uniform enforcement of axle-load regulations is another major demand of the transporters. The alliance wants overloading to be controlled at the point of origin across the country.

Minister Abdul Aleem Khan said the government would begin implementing its axle-load policy immediately. He made it clear that “not a single overloaded vehicle” would be allowed to enter motorways.

Khan said transporters had expressed support for the government’s axle-load policy. He also urged them to cooperate with authorities to protect motorways and national highways from damage caused by excessive loads.

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Minister calls for dialogue

The communications minister stressed that negotiations are necessary to resolve the dispute.

“If we do not sit together and discuss our issues, how can we move forward,” he said during the meeting, according to the ministry.

The government’s invitation has opened the door for further discussions after earlier talks failed to produce an agreement. Transport representatives are expected to present their demands in detail during the meeting.

Action ordered against corruption

Khan also directed the inspector general of the motorway police to take action against corruption within the force. He said officials found accepting bribes would be dismissed and face criminal cases.

The directive comes as the government prepares to strengthen enforcement of transport and road safety regulations. For transporters, fair implementation of these rules is also part of the wider concerns surrounding the ongoing strike.

Strike threatens supply chains

The nationwide strike could affect businesses if it continues for an extended period. Goods transporters play a key role in moving essential supplies, industrial materials, export cargo, and other products across the country.

A prolonged shutdown could lead to delivery delays and put pressure on supply chains connecting ports, factories, warehouses, and markets. The impact will largely depend on the duration of the strike and the outcome of talks between the government and transport representatives.

What happens after today’s talks?

The meeting could prove important in determining whether the nationwide strike continues.

The government has indicated that it wants to resolve the transporters’ concerns through negotiations. The alliance, meanwhile, is seeking concrete action on diesel pricing, toll charges, withholding tax, and axle-load regulations.

If both sides reach an understanding, the transporters could consider ending their protest. If the key demands remain unresolved, however, the strike could continue and cause further disruption to the country’s goods movement.