ISLAMABAD: The eight-day nationwide strike by goods truckers and edible oil tanker operators could come to an end as the government and transporters prepare for a crucial round of negotiations in Karachi, with growing congestion reported at the country’s major ports.
The prolonged strike has disrupted the movement of cargo and other goods across the country, raising concerns about further pressure on trade and port operations.
In this regard, the key meeting is scheduled to take place at Governor House in Karachi, bringing together senior federal and Sindh government officials, representatives of the transport sector, and officials from the Karachi Port Trust (KPT) and Port Qasim Authority.
Federal Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan, appointed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif as the focal person for negotiations, and Punjab Transport Minister Bilal Akbar are expected to participate in the talks.
The Sindh governor and provincial transport authorities are also likely to attend.
In this sense, the officials said security authorities had also become involved in efforts to facilitate a settlement.
A senior government official acknowledged that the transporters had genuine concerns but said the government faced certain procedural and legal limitations.
One of the major issues is the withholding tax imposed on goods transporters.
The rate currently stands at seven per cent, compared with six per cent during the previous fiscal year and two per cent for fuel tankers. The protesting transporters are demanding that their withholding tax also be reduced to two per cent.
However, Federal Board of Revenue officials have maintained that any major change in the tax structure would require legislative action and could potentially be considered during the 2027-28 budget process.
The transporters have raised concerns over the practice of impounding vehicles, while officials have questioned why carriers accept consignments that may be connected to illegal activities.
The government has, meanwhile, expressed willingness to address some other demands. These include establishing dedicated parking facilities for trucks and trailers handling cargo at Karachi’s ports.
The Communications Ministry has also agreed to provide temporary relief to 10-wheeler trucks concerning axle-load limits on highways and motorways.
All Pakistan Goods Transport Ittehad spokesman Muhammad Owais Chaudhry said the protest was continuing, with thousands of vehicles remaining off the roads. He stressed that transporters wanted a sustainable solution rather than verbal assurances.
The transporters have also called for guarantees that any agreement reached with the government would be implemented in practice.
