Transporters Strike Enters Second Day Across Pakistan

The nationwide strike by goods transporters entered its second day on Sunday, as the All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance continued to suspend operations across the country while pressing the government to address its demands.

Alliance President Malik Shahzad Awan said negotiations with the federal government would take place on Monday at 11am, followed by a meeting with the Sindh government at 2pm.

Federal talks will include Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan and representatives from the ministries of Ports and Shipping, Finance and Petroleum. Discussions with the Sindh government will be held at the Commissioner's Office.

Awan made it clear that transporters would not call off the strike based solely on assurances, stressing that their demands must first be formally approved.

Transporters have raised concerns over frequent diesel price adjustments and rising fuel costs, saying these have significantly increased the financial burden of running their businesses. Higher toll taxes have also been identified as a major issue.

Their key demands include ending the daily diesel pricing mechanism, reversing the recent toll tax increase and restoring toll rates to the level applicable on June 30, 2024.

The alliance has also demanded that withholding tax on the transport sector be reduced from 7% to 2%.

The outcome of Monday's negotiations is expected to determine whether the nationwide strike will continue or whether transport operations will resume.