3 weeks ago
Pakistan Transporters Launch Nationwide Indefinite Strike After Negotiations Fail
Trucks carry food, fuel, and other important things all over Pakistan.
The people who drive and own these trucks are called transporters.
The transporters wanted to talk to the government about their problems.
They asked for fair rules about how much weight trucks can carry.
They also wanted cheaper diesel, lower highway fees, and smaller taxes.
The government and the transporters met to talk about these issues.
But they could not agree on a solution.
Because of that, the transporters decided to stop driving their trucks.
This is called a strike, and it might mean goods do not reach stores on time.
The government said it will meet with the transporters again on Monday to keep talking.
Pakistan's goods transporters and oil tanker operators began an indefinite nationwide wheel-jam strike on Saturday after talks with the government ended without a breakthrough.
Transport services were suspended Friday night following negotiations between transport associations, Federal Minister for Communications Aleem Khan, and other government officials.
Mohammad Owais Chaudhry, president of the All Pakistan Goods Transport Owners Association, said the protest will continue until the transporters' demands are accepted.
The strike involves edible oil tanker operators, petroleum tanker operators, truckers, trailer operators, and other intercity transporters nationwide.
Key demands include uniform axle-load rule implementation, a 35-tonne limit for 10-wheel vehicles, lower diesel prices, reduced motorway toll taxes, and withholding tax relief.
- Who
- Pakistan's goods transporters and oil tanker operators, represented by the All Pakistan Goods Transport Itehad and All Pakistan Goods Transport Owners Association, with Federal Minister for Communications Aleem Khan leading the government side in talks.
- What
- An indefinite nationwide wheel-jam strike suspending commercial goods transport after negotiations with the government failed.
- Where
- Across Pakistan, affecting intercity goods transport nationwide.
- When
- The strike was set to launch on Saturday, with services suspended Friday night and another round of talks scheduled for Monday.
- Why
- Unresolved demands over uniform axle-load rules, higher weight limits for 10-wheel vehicles, lower diesel prices, reduced motorway tolls, and withholding tax relief.
Transporters' Position
Government's Position
Strike action
Transporters' Position
The protest is not symbolic but an indefinite strike that will continue until the transporters' demands are accepted.
Government's Position
The government side ended talks without an agreement but assured transporters that another round of talks would be held on Monday.
Demands
Transporters' Position
Transporters seek uniform axle-load implementation, a 35-tonne limit for 10-wheel vehicles, lower diesel prices, reduced motorway toll taxes, and withholding tax relief.
Government's Position
The government did not reach an agreement on these issues in the latest round of negotiations.
Key facts
- Strike type
- Indefinite nationwide wheel-jam strike (not symbolic)
- Launch date
- Saturday; services suspended Friday night
- Negotiation outcome
- No agreement reached
- Next talks
- Monday, per Communications Minister Aleem Khan
- Government negotiator
- Federal Minister for Communications Aleem Khan
- Spokesperson
- Mohammad Owais Chaudhry (All Pakistan Goods Transport Owners Association)
- Participants
- Edible oil tankers, petroleum tankers, truckers, trailer operators, intercity transporters
- Demands
- Uniform axle-load rules; 35 tonnes for 10-wheel vehicles; lower diesel; reduced motorway tolls; withholding tax relief
Quotes
Mohammad Owais Chaudhry
Spokesperson for All Pakistan Goods Transport Itehad and President of All Pakistan Goods Transport Owners Association
“We have informed the government side about the problems we are facing and our concerns.”
republicworld.com
Sources
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