Goods transporters strike August 8 has been confirmed after negotiations between the All Pakistan Goods Transport Ittehad (APGTI) and the Sindh government ended without an agreement. The transporters say they will begin an indefinite nationwide strike from Friday, August 8, accusing the government of ignoring their demands.
The decision could disrupt the movement of goods across Pakistan if both sides fail to resume meaningful dialogue.
Talks End Without Agreement
APGTI President Malik Shahzad Awan confirmed that discussions with the Sindh government had failed to produce a solution.
He said the association had submitted a detailed charter of demands, but government representatives did not show enough commitment to resolving the issues.
Following the unsuccessful meeting, APGTI announced that its strike plan would proceed as scheduled.
Indefinite Nationwide Strike Begins August 8
Malik Shahzad Awan said transporters across Pakistan would suspend operations indefinitely from August 8.
He urged transport operators nationwide to stand together until the government responds positively to their concerns.
According to APGTI, the protest will continue until authorities address the industry’s long-standing issues.
Fuel Price Policy Faces Strong Opposition
The transport association has strongly criticised the government’s proposal to revise petroleum prices on a daily basis.
Awan argued that frequent fuel price changes would create uncertainty for transport companies and make it difficult to calculate operating costs.
He also warned that repeated increases in diesel prices are putting severe financial pressure on transport businesses.
Transporters Demand Immediate Relief
The association has asked the government to provide immediate relief by:
- Reducing diesel prices.
- Reversing recent increases in toll taxes.
- Withdrawing higher withholding taxes.
- Lowering motorway charges.
- Reviewing heavy traffic fines.
Transport leaders say these measures are necessary to keep freight services operating efficiently.
Industry Warns of Economic Impact
APGTI says Pakistan’s economy depends heavily on road freight transport because most commercial goods move by trucks.
The association warned that continued increases in transport costs could affect businesses, manufacturers, retailers and consumers across the country.
Transport representatives also urged chambers of commerce and business organisations to support the industry during the dispute.
Government Urged to Resume Dialogue
Malik Shahzad Awan said neither the federal nor provincial governments have provided meaningful relief to transporters despite repeated requests.
He called on authorities to review existing policies before the situation causes wider disruptions to Pakistan’s supply chain.
If negotiations remain stalled, the planned nationwide strike could significantly affect the movement of goods across the country.
