Transport Strike August 8, All Pakistan Goods Alliance Announces Nationwide Shutdown

Pakistan– (Special Correspondent/Web Desk) – The transport strike August 8 has become the biggest headline in Pakistan’s logistics sector this week. The All Pakistan Goods Transport Alliance has declared that it will stop all operations nationwide from that date, and the shutdown will continue for an unknown period. Alliance leaders say they will not restart work until the government listens to their concerns.

The announcement was made during a press meeting in Karachi. Transport groups from every province took part in the discussion. They agreed together that a full strike was now the only option left. Years of rising costs and unclear fuel policies have pushed truckers to this point.

One of the biggest demands is the removal of Petroleum Minister Pervez Ali Malik. Alliance leader Malik Shehzad Awan said the group has already sent a formal list of demands to both federal and provincial leaders. He made it clear that talks alone will not end the protest. Real steps must be taken first.

Fuel pricing is at the centre of this dispute. Transporters want the government to stop changing petrol and diesel prices every single day. They are asking for the old monthly pricing system to return. They also want the recent fuel price hike to be cancelled completely.

Toll tax charges are another major issue. The alliance wants toll rates brought back to the levels seen on June 30, 2024. Truckers say the current rates are too high and are hurting small transport owners the most.

Tax relief is also part of the demand list. The group wants the 7 percent withholding tax on goods transport reduced to just 2 percent. This would match the lower rate already given to oil tanker operators.

Safety and vehicle rules were also discussed. The alliance is asking officials to properly enforce axle load limits so that overloaded trucks stop damaging roads. They also want fair testing before Heavy Transport Vehicle licences are issued to new drivers.

Security remains a growing worry too. Recent incidents of transport vehicles being set on fire in Balochistan have alarmed truck owners across the country. The alliance is urging the government to improve law and order and protect drivers on the road.

There are more demands on the list. The group wants Customs SRO 1619/2024 withdrawn. They are also asking for proper parking areas near Karachi Port and Port Qasim to reduce congestion and delays.

Older vehicles are another point of tension. The alliance strongly opposes any ban on vehicles above 20 years old. They also reject the rule requiring Rs9.7 million compensation in road accident cases, calling it unfair for small operators.

Vehicle registration complaints were raised as well. Transporters in Sindh say they are being forced to pay extra charges disguised as third-party insurance. They are demanding an end to this practice immediately.

With the transport strike August 8 fast approaching, pressure is building on both federal and provincial authorities. If no agreement is reached soon, everyday goods movement across Pakistan could face serious delays in the coming days.