Transporters warn of nationwide strike over fuel hike

KARACHI:

President of the Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance Malik Shehzad Awan has strongly condemned the federal government's decision to increase petroleum product prices, warning that transporters across the country may launch a nationwide strike if their concerns are not addressed.

In a statement, Awan rejected the government's policy of changing petroleum prices on a daily basis, saying consultations with transport associations across Pakistan were underway. He warned that a countrywide strike could be announced soon against what he termed "anti-transport policies" of the government. "Transporters across Pakistan should remain prepared; a nationwide strike call can be given at any time," he said.

The Goods Transport Alliance president said repeated increases in diesel prices and what he described as flawed government policies were forcing transport businesses towards closure. He accused the authorities of ignoring the challenges faced by the transport sector and urged chambers of commerce and industry bodies across the country to play their role in resolving the issue.

Awan also demanded the immediate withdrawal of increases in toll taxes and withholding taxes, along with relief in motorway charges and traffic fines. He said transporters had repeatedly approached both federal and provincial governments for relief, but no practical measures had been taken so far.

He said transporters were continuing operations despite financial losses in the larger national interest, adding that the country's transport sector had already suffered heavily due to prevailing security and economic challenges.

Awan further demanded implementation of the commitments made by federal and provincial governments after the nationwide strike held in December, saying unfulfilled promises had added to the frustration among transporters.