ISLAMABAD: The All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance has launched a nationwide wheel jam strike from today, bringing the country’s freight movement to a halt after last-ditch negotiations with the federal government failed to yield any breakthrough.
Transporters have parked their vehicles across all major cities and highways, effectively suspending the supply chain for essential and non-essential commodities. The strike was triggered following inconclusive talks between the transporters’ leadership and Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan.
President of the All Pakistan Goods Transporters Owners Association, Muhammad Owais Chaudhry, confirmed that the discussions remained fruitless, with no final progress achieved on any major demand. “The government side listened to our concerns, but practical assurances were not provided. The next round of talks is expected on Monday, but let it be clear—the wheel jam strike will continue until our demands are formally approved,” Chaudhry told media.
He, however, emphasized that transporters are keeping the doors open for dialogue, urging the government to show seriousness and make practical headway in Monday’s scheduled meeting.
The transporters have put forward a comprehensive charter of demands, including:
Immediate withdrawal of the daily diesel price fixation system, calling instead for monthly price adjustments to bring stability to their operating costs.
Restoration of toll tax rates as applicable on June 1, 2024, with a firm demand against any further increase in toll taxes.
A one-year moratorium on the establishment of new toll plazas across the country.
Reduction of the withholding tax on goods transporters from the current 7% to just 2%.
Uniform implementation of axle load laws nationwide, alongside strict control of overloading at source points to ensure fair competition and road safety.
Withdrawal of certain provisions under the Customs Act, which transporters argue disproportionately burden the logistics sector.
Chaudhry reiterated that the strike is entirely peaceful and lawful. “These are legitimate demands that affect the livelihood of thousands of transporters and the affordability of goods for common citizens. We urge the government to accept them so that the goods transport system can be restored across the country at the earliest,” he added.
As of now, no official response has been issued by the Ministry of Communications regarding the impasse, though sources indicate that behind-the-scenes efforts are underway to bridge the gap before Monday’s meeting.
The strike is expected to impact food supplies, fuel distribution, and industrial raw materials if prolonged, raising concerns among traders and consumers alike.
