ISLAMABAD: The All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance has announced an indefinite nationwide strike starting today, August 8, in protest against several government policies affecting the transport sector.
Speaking to Geo News, All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance President Malik Shehzad Awan confirmed that the strike would continue for an indefinite period.
He said the federal government has invited representatives of the transport alliance to a meeting on Monday to discuss their concerns.
According to Malik Shehzad Awan, a committee has been formed to represent the transport alliance during negotiations with the government.
He said the strike would remain in effect until the meeting with the government is held and the alliance announces its next course of action.
The transport leader said negotiations between the goods transport alliance and government representatives at the Commissioner’s Office had previously failed to produce an agreement.
The alliance has announced the strike primarily to protest against what it considers financial pressures on the transport industry.
The main demands include opposition to the increase in petrol and diesel prices, the government’s policy of determining petroleum product prices on a daily basis, and the imposition of a 7 percent withholding tax on the transport sector.
Transport representatives argue that rising fuel costs and additional taxation are increasing the operating expenses of goods carriers and putting pressure on the transport industry.
The indefinite strike could affect the movement of goods across the country if it continues for an extended period. Goods transport plays a major role in supplying markets, industries, businesses, and consumers with essential products.
The government has now called the transport alliance for talks, raising the possibility of negotiations between the two sides.
However, according to Malik Shehzad Awan, the strike will continue until the government meeting takes place and the alliance decides on its future strategy.
The transport alliance is expected to present its demands and concerns during the government meeting. The outcome of the talks will determine whether the strike is ended, extended, or modified.
For now, the All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance has maintained its decision to continue the strike from August 8 until further notice, putting pressure on the government to address the transport sector’s concerns.
About The Author
