Karachi (HRNW): The All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance (APGTA) has announced a nationwide indefinite strike beginning Saturday, August 8, if its demands are not accepted by the federal and provincial governments.
Speaking at a press conference at the Karachi Press Club, APGTA President Malik Shehzad Awan called for the resignation of Federal Minister for Petroleum Pervez Ali Malik and said that transport associations from across Pakistan had unanimously agreed to suspend operations until their demands are addressed.
Awan stated that the Alliance has submitted a Charter of Demands to the federal and provincial governments, urging immediate action on issues affecting the country’s transport sector.
The key demands include:
- Replacing the daily fuel price adjustment mechanism with a monthly pricing system and reversing recent increases in diesel and petrol prices.
- Rolling back the recent toll tax increase and restoring the rates applicable as of June 30, 2024.
- Reducing the 7% withholding tax on the goods transport sector to 2%, in line with the rate applied to oil tankers.
- Strict enforcement of axle-load regulations, eliminating overloading at the source, and reviewing the permissible weight limit for 10-wheeler trucks.
- Revoking Customs SRO 1619/2024, which the Alliance claims is being used to harass transporters and facilitate corruption.
- Implementing commitments made by the federal, Punjab, and Sindh governments following the nationwide transport strike held in December.
- Issuing HTV driving licences to drivers after conducting the required competency tests.
- Providing designated parking facilities for trucks, trailers, car carriers, and mini Mazda vehicles near Karachi Port and Port Qasim.
- Improving the law and order situation in Balochistan to prevent attacks and arson targeting transport vehicles.
- Repealing the law requiring the phase-out of 20-year-old freight vehicles.
- Withdrawing the law requiring drivers to pay Rs. 9.7 million in compensation (Diyat) in the event of fatal road accidents.
- Ending what the Alliance described as unjust charges imposed under mandatory third-party insurance during vehicle registration and renewal in Sindh.
The Alliance warned that if the authorities fail to address these demands, freight transport operations across the country will be suspended indefinitely from August 8, potentially affecting the movement of goods nationwide.
🤝 Support HRNW
Support independent human rights journalism, public awareness, and responsible reporting by contributing to HRNW:
https://www.hrnww.com/?page_id=1083
⚠️ Important Note (Disclaimer)
This report is based on statements made during a press conference by the All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance. The demands and allegations mentioned represent the views of the organization and have not been independently verified by HRNW. Responses from the federal or provincial governments were not immediately available at the time of publication. The report will be updated if official responses or further verified information become available.
