The Pakistan Goods Transporters Association has announced a nationwide strike effective today, Saturday, 17 Asad, citing the government’s failure to accept its demands.
According to the association, it held an important meeting with the federal government, but no final decision was reached on any of the transporters’ demands. As a result, the suspension of vehicle operations will continue until their demands are accepted.
The transporters are calling on the government to reduce diesel prices and all taxes, keep fuel prices fixed for at least one month, and ease the additional financial burden on the transport sector.
They are also demanding the uniform implementation of weight limits for goods vehicles across Pakistan and permission for 10-wheel trucks to carry loads of up to 35 tonnes.
The Goods Transporters Association has also described a customs law as a “black law,” claiming that it gives authorities the power to seize transporters’ vehicles, and has called for the law to be repealed.
The association further demands that patrol police in Punjab be stripped of their authority to stop commercial vehicles, and that arbitrary stops and heavy fines on motorways and highways be brought to an end.
In its statement, the association said that its vehicles would remain off the roads and the strike would continue until its demands are accepted.
The Government of Pakistan has not yet issued an official statement regarding the strike or the transporters’ demands.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
