ISLAMABAD, Pakistan: The All Pakistan Transporters Association (APTA) has announced a nationwide wheel-jam strike starting August 8, joining goods transporters in protesting rising operational costs, tax measures, and transport-related regulations.
The announcement was made during a press conference at the National Press Club Islamabad, where association representatives said frequent changes in diesel prices, higher toll taxes, and increased withholding tax had made it increasingly difficult for transport operators to continue their businesses.
Transporters Cite Rising Costs
APTA officials said the government’s policy of revising diesel prices on a daily basis had created uncertainty for transport businesses.
They also objected to the increase in toll tax, claiming it had risen from Rs250 to Rs750, and called on the government to reduce the withholding tax from 7% to 2%.
Concerns Over Enforcement Measures
The association expressed concern over the enforcement of customs and axle-load regulations.
Representatives said transport vehicles are at risk of being seized if even a single non-custom-paid item is found. They urged authorities to restore the previous practice of imposing a financial penalty instead of confiscating vehicles.
The association also called for stricter enforcement of overloading rules at factories during the loading process rather than penalizing transporters after vehicles are already on the road.
Demands for Policy Reforms
Transporters said obtaining Heavy Transport Vehicle (HTV) driving licences had become increasingly difficult for drivers, adding to the industry’s operational challenges.
They demanded that toll charges be restored to 2024 levels and warned that the nationwide strike would proceed if their concerns were not addressed.
Talks With Motorway Police
Separately, a delegation of the All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance, led by President Malik Shahzad Awan, met Additional Inspector General of Motorway Police Javed Akbar Riaz.
According to the delegation, the meeting discussed concerns regarding motorway fines, axle-load enforcement, and earlier commitments made by government officials during previous negotiations.
Malik Shahzad Awan said the alliance’s nationwide strike scheduled for August 8 would remain peaceful and urged both the federal and provincial governments to accept the transporters’ demands.
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