Transporters threaten nationwide strike over fuel price hike and taxes

The Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance warned that it may announce a countrywide strike if the federal government fails to address its concerns regarding recent increases in petroleum prices.

Alliance President Malik Shehzad Awan criticised the government’s decision to revise fuel prices on a daily basis, saying transport associations across Pakistan are consulting on a joint strategy. He warned that transporters could launch a nationwide protest against what he described as anti-transport policies that are putting additional pressure on the sector.

Awan said repeated increases in diesel prices and rising operational expenses have pushed many transport businesses towards financial difficulties and possible closure. He urged the government to take immediate steps to resolve transporters’ issues and called on chambers of commerce and industry bodies to help find a solution.

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The alliance president demanded the withdrawal of recent increases in toll taxes and withholding taxes. He also called for relief in motorway charges and traffic fines. According to Awan, transporters have repeatedly approached federal and provincial governments for support, but authorities have yet to take practical measures to address their concerns.

He said the transport sector has continued operations despite heavy financial losses in the national interest. Awan urged the government to honour the commitments made after the nationwide transport strike held in December and take concrete steps to provide relief to the industry.