Transporters demand lower taxes and diesel prices, threaten wheel-jam strike from Aug 8
ISLAMABAD: The All Pakistan Goods Transporters Alliance on Tuesday announced a nationwide wheel-jam strike from Aug 8, warning that the suspension of freight movement could disrupt the supply of essential commodities if the government failed to address its demands. The announcement was made at a press conference at the National Press Club by the alliance’s leaders, including All Pakistan Goods…
The All Pakistan Goods Transporters Alliance announced a nationwide wheel-jam strike beginning August 8, warning of potential supply disruptions if the government does not address their demands. The transportation sector is facing a financial crisis due to rising diesel prices, increased taxes, and other government measures. Transporters are asking for lower taxes on diesel, restoration of fuel prices to July 1, 2024 levels, and a reduction in the withholding tax from 7% to 2%.
They also reject the provision that allows entire vehicles to be confiscated if non-duty-paid goods are found. The alliance rejects the confiscation measure as unjust and wants fines imposed instead, with vehicles released. They also seek uniform enforcement of axle-load regulations, a simpler process for obtaining heavy transport vehicle licenses, reduced toll taxes, and an end to daily adjustments in diesel prices.
Transporters say the current policies have pushed drivers, small transporters, and vehicle owners into financial hardship, and that negotiations with the government have not yielded progress. They announced that unless negotiations occur and their demands are accepted, all categories of goods transport will remain off the roads from August 8, with the strike remaining peaceful and vehicles parked rather than blocking highways.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn Business's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
