The Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance has threatened to launch a nationwide strike if the federal government fails to address the transport sector’s concerns over the recent increase in petroleum product prices.
Alliance President Malik Shehzad Awan criticized the government’s decision to revise fuel prices on a daily basis, saying transport associations across the country are currently consulting on a joint response.
He warned that transporters could announce a nationwide strike at any time in protest against what he described as the government’s anti-transport policies.
Awan said repeated increases in diesel prices, coupled with existing government policies, are pushing transport businesses toward closure. He urged the government to take immediate steps to address the sector’s concerns and called on chambers of commerce and industry bodies to play their role in resolving the issue.
The alliance president also demanded the immediate withdrawal of recent increases in toll taxes and withholding taxes. He further called for relief in motorway charges and traffic fines, saying the additional costs have placed further financial pressure on transporters.
According to Awan, transporters have repeatedly approached both federal and provincial governments for relief, but authorities have yet to take practical measures to resolve their concerns.
He said the transport sector has continued to operate despite facing financial losses in the national interest. Awan also urged the government to fulfill the commitments made following the nationwide transport strike held in December.
