Goods transporters have deferred their nationwide strike for 40 days after negotiations with government representatives in Karachi, with association leaders saying some issues were addressed immediately while others will need further committee work and cabinet approval. The talks at Governor House brought together Sindh Governor Nihal Hashmi, Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab, Federal Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan and All Pakistan Goods Transporters Association President Malik Shahzad.
Strike paused after assurances
Speaking after the meeting, Malik Shahzad said the transporters decided to defer the strike after receiving assurances from the government. He said the nationwide strike had already continued for nine days, and the Sindh government had assured them that the parking issue would be resolved.
“We are not ending the strike; we are deferring it. If the assurances are not implemented, we may resume our protest,” Malik Shahzad said.
Transporters seek action on costs and load limits
According to Malik Shahzad, the government asked for 15 days to decide whether petroleum prices would be reviewed every 15 days or once a month. He added that Federal Communications Minister Abdul Aleem Khan assured the transporters that a committee would be formed to review toll taxes and consider reducing them.
He also said the government assured the transporters that 10-wheelers would be allowed to carry an appropriate weight. “Some of our issues have been resolved by the federal and provincial governments, while others require cabinet approval,” he said, adding that assurances had also been given to address those matters.
| Issue | Government response |
|---|---|
| Nationwide strike duration | Deferred for 40 days |
| Strike length before deferment | 9 days |
| Parking issue | Sindh government said it would be resolved |
| Petroleum price review timing | Government sought 15 days to decide between 15-day or monthly review |
| Toll taxes | Committee to be formed to review and consider reduction |
| 10-wheelers weight allowance | Assurance given to allow appropriate weight |
Officials stress dialogue and process
Abdul Aleem Khan said the government had addressed the transporters’ issues that could be resolved immediately, while some demands required formal procedures. He said several committees had been constituted to complete the process.
He also said the Karachi-Hyderabad road did not qualify as a motorway in its current condition and announced that work on a new motorway from Sukkur to Hyderabad and Karachi would begin this year.
Sindh Governor Nihal Hashmi said the regional situation was unusual and that the economic impact of ongoing conflicts was being felt not only in Pakistan but around the world. He said the prime minister and field marshal were working to ensure that the positive outcomes of their efforts reached the public. Hashmi added that the government and transporters had listened to each other and agreed that both sides were ready to make every possible sacrifice for the country.
Karachi Mayor Murtaza Wahab said the authorities had spent the day working to resolve the issues. He assured that the Sindh government would address matters falling within its jurisdiction and said efforts would continue to resolve the problems through dialogue.
Next steps remain under watch
The transporters’ decision has temporarily eased a dispute that had disrupted operations for more than a week, but the warning from the association makes clear that the protest could resume if the government does not deliver on its promises. With committees set to continue their work and several matters still awaiting formal approval, both sides now face pressure to turn assurances into action within the 40-day window.
