Goods transporters, oil tankers begin strike after talks with govt fail

Goods transporters and oil tanker operators began taking their vehicles off the roads on Friday night after talks with the government failed to resolve their concerns, ahead of a nationwide wheel-jam strike planned for Saturday.

Mohammad Owais Chaudhry Advocate, spokesman for the All Pakistan Goods Transport Ittehad and president of the All Pakistan Goods Transport Owners Association, said negotiations with Federal Minister for Communications Aleem Khan and other officials ended without an agreement.

He said the transporters had presented their concerns and demands to the government but decided to go ahead with the strike after failing to reach a settlement.

The protest will involve edible oil and petroleum tanker operators, truckers, trailer owners and other intercity goods transporters.

The transporters' joint body had announced earlier that the wheel-jam strike would begin on August 8. It has warned that the protest will be indefinite rather than a symbolic one.

One of the main demands is the uniform implementation of axle-load limits across the country. The transporters are also seeking permission for 10-wheel vehicles to carry up to 35 tonnes.

They have called for cuts in diesel prices and motorway tolls, as well as relief from withholding tax to reduce the costs faced by the transport industry.

The associations are also demanding the withdrawal of customs rules that they say allow authorities to seize vehicles carrying goods when customs violations are found.