Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance announces countrywide strike from Aug 8

KARACHI: Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance President Malik Shehzad Awan on Monday announced an indefinite nationwide strike from Saturday, August 8, demanding immediate relief for the transport sector.

Addressing a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, Awan said transport associations across Pakistan have unanimously agreed to halt operations until the government accepts their 12-point Charter of Demands. He also called for the resignation of Federal Minister for Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik.

Key demands include reverting to monthly fuel price adjustments, rolling back the “cruel” increase in toll tax to June 30, 2024 rates, and reducing withholding tax on goods transport to 2%.

The alliance also seeks strict enforcement against overloading, cancellation of SRO 1619/2024, provision of parking near Karachi and Port Qasim, improved security in Balochistan, and withdrawal of the law imposing Rs 9.7 million “diyat” on drivers in road accidents.

Awan urged federal and provincial governments to implement agreements made during December’s 10-day strike.